Kiwis are embracing contactless payments for their everyday expenses as the technology continues to make shopping faster, more convenient and secure, according to new MasterCard research.

The survey of more than a thousand New Zealanders shows that people are using contactless payment solutions such as MasterCard PayPass cards in supermarkets most, at 36 per cent, followed by retail shops, 23 per cent.

More than eight out of 10 of people using contactless ‘Tap and Go’ technology say their use has increased in the past year because the technology saves time (62 per cent) and is convenient and easy to use (58 per cent).

“The way Kiwis are paying for things is changing, and it’s encouraging that shoppers are seeing the benefits of Tap and Go technology, as a fast and easy way to pay for small purchases,” says Peter Chisnall, country manager for MasterCard NZ.

“People use Tap and Go when they’re making those everyday purchases, like their morning coffee or trips to the supermarket to pick up essentials. It means less time at the till searching in your wallet to find the right cash or entering your PIN for purchases under $80, so transactions are quick and painless,” Chisnall says.

More than a third, 34 per cent, of respondents use Tap and Go or contactless technology whenever they can or frequently.

“Payment technology continues to improve, and nearly half of those surveyed predict we will not be using cash in ten years. Consumers want faster, more convenient and more secure shopping experiences, and MasterCard continues to develop products to enable this.”

Chisnall notes that while more Kiwis are embracing the technology, there are still some concerns about contactless payments for many, with 85 per cent believing the main disadvantage is the ability for unauthorised purchases to be made if a card is lost or stolen, and half referring to potential security risks at the payment terminal.