Consumers have turned to contactless card payments as a result of social distancing restrictions and because they are safe and clean.

“Contactless payments offer consumers safety, security, and efficiency at the point of sale,” said Sherri Haymond, Executive Vice President, Digital Partnerships at Mastercard. “We’re committed to be working with our partners to provide solutions that help make the digital economy work for everyone, everywhere.”

Mastercard conducted an online survey of 17,000 consumers in 19 countries worldwide that showed:

• 40% growth in contactless transactions globally in the first quarter of 2020.
• 80% of contactless transactions are under $25, a range that is typically dominated by cash.
• 79% say they’re now using some form of contactless payment.
• 46% have swapped their top-of-wallet card for one that offers contactless payments.
• 82% view contactless as a cleaner way to pay.
• 74% say they will continue to use contactless post-pandemic.