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Cash, cards and contactless: Survey examines unattended payment preferences

June 14, 2018

Seventy percent of consumers want unattended terminals to accept both card and cash payments, and a significant number are willing to transact at these terminals via wearable devices or digital wallets, according to a new survey and report from Transaction Network Services.

Following are highlights of the survey, which polled adults in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States: 

• Men are more likely than women to adopt card payment at unattended terminals.
• More than 55 percent of Australian adults polled use a credit or debit card at unattended parking meters, kiosks and exit barriers.
• Over the past two years, use of payment cards at U.K. kiosks and vending machines that sell food or drinks has grown by one-third.
• Twenty-seven percent of survey respondents have already used their credit or debit cards at unattended terminals to purchase clothing.
• U.S. consumers were the most worried about the security of unattended payments.
• Younger adults would prefer to use a card at an unattended terminal, even if it meant paying a fee.

"Our report shows significant promise for the unattended terminals market globally with consumer attitudes and behaviors creating an environment optimal for growth," said Lisa Shipley, general manager of the TNS fintech solutions business in the Americas. "In addition to expanding the locations and types of goods sold, there is a substantial opportunity to expand unattended terminals to accept new payment methods."

The online survey was conducted March 8–12 by Kantar TNS, and polled a total of 3,083 adults: 1,024 in the United Kingdom; 1,027 in the United States; and 1,032 in Australia.