A recent Mastercard study shows Australians are steadily adopting digital payment methods, with over 80% using contactless payments weekly. In fact, a significant number of Australians get frustrated when stores don’t offer contactless payment options, and some even choose to shop elsewhere in such situations.

Supermarkets, retail stores, and gas stations are where Australians most frequently use contactless cards.

Garry Duursma, Mastercard Australia and New Zealand’s Head of Market Development and Payment Innovation, points out that Australians find contactless payments convenient and efficient. The survey results show a growing demand for retailers to embrace modern payment solutions, as most Australians believe that offering contactless technology improves the customer experience. Nearly half of Australians are actively seeking an improved and enhanced shopping experience.

Consumers are also becoming more aware of the security benefits of contactless payments, understanding that they offer the same level of protection as chip and PIN transactions. Mastercard’s Zero Liability policy makes contactless payments even more secure than carrying cash, which is susceptible to loss or theft. The research shows a growing trust in contactless payment security, with a significant increase in the number of Australians feeling comfortable using this method compared to previous years.

Duursma highlights that contactless payments have become ingrained in the daily lives of Australians, indicating that consumers are beginning to genuinely appreciate their advantages. With the variety of advanced payment methods currently available and the positive response in Australia, further advancements in this area are expected as people continuously seek convenience and time-saving solutions in their busy lives.

While contactless payments are becoming the norm, the survey reveals that mobile payments in Australia are still in a growth phase. Only a quarter of Australian consumers are aware of contactless payment options on their mobile phones. However, a promising trend is that a large portion of those unaware of mobile contactless capabilities are open to using it once they learn more about it. Many Australians express a desire to understand digital wallet technology better, indicating a positive inclination toward wider adoption.

Mastercard is globally shaping the future of digital payments by developing secure and novel payment methods for consumers across various platforms and devices, ranging from digital wallets and tokenization to advanced security solutions.

Detailed Findings:

Contactless Payments:

• Over 80% of Australians use contactless payments weekly.
• This usage is consistent across genders and higher among younger generations.
• Contactless payment adoption has increased since previous years.
• Australians primarily perceive contactless payments as a time-saving and convenient payment method, with these benefits resonating more strongly among frequent users.
• A considerable number of Australians express frustration when contactless payments are unavailable, with younger generations displaying a stronger preference for this payment option.
• A significant portion of Australians believe businesses offering contactless payments are improving customer experience and demonstrating modernity.
• Nearly half of Australians actively seek an enhanced shopping experience.
• Concerns regarding the security of contactless payments are diminishing, with a majority of Australians now feeling at ease with its security.

Mobile Contactless Payments:

• Awareness of mobile contactless payment options among Australians is relatively low, particularly among older generations.
• Daily users of contactless payments show a higher adoption rate of mobile contactless payments.
• Among Australians aware of mobile contactless capabilities on their phones, usage is relatively low, though a significant portion use it weekly.

_*This study was conducted online during December 2016 using a sample of 1,000 Australians aged between 18 and 64 years old across Australia. Age, gender and area quotas were applied to the sample. _