How Age Shapes Payment Choices in the UK: Generational Insights Build on Research

Following the publication of myPOS’ research revealing the decline of PIN usage and the rise of contactless payments in the UK, a deeper dive into the data highlights a clear generational divide in payment habits. While younger shoppers are embracing mobile-first transactions, older consumers continue to rely on contactless cards for everyday purchases.

The survey, conducted in late 2025 with 2,000 nationally representative UK adults, shows that age is now corelated to the consumers main payment method:

• Among consumers aged 34 and below, mobile wallets are the most used primary payment method (37%). Other 36% of this group prefer to mainly use contactless debit or credit cards.

• Meanwhile, the majority of consumers aged 35 and over (54%) reach out first to contactless debit or credit cards. The percentage of mobile phone use for payments is significantly lower in this group – reported as a primary method by only 13%.

• Cash plays a minor role in everyday transactions, with a total of only 14% of all respondents using it as their main payment method.

“While contactless dominates, not every customer pays the same way,” said Michael Ault, Managing Director at myPOS UK. “Inclusivity remains important for businesses. The most resilient businesses are those that support multiple payment options while making the most popular ones easy and reliable.”

The research also highlights general changes in consumer behavior across retail, dining, and events. For example:

• Retail: 33% of shoppers report using cash less and relying more on contactless cards, while 10% are adopting a wallet-free lifestyle.

• Food & Beverage: 32% of respondents now use contactless more frequently, and 9% carry fewer payment options.

• Events & Entertainment: Contactless adoption is growing, with 26% relying more on cards, 14% using mobile or wearable payments, and 9% embracing a wallet-free approach.

Convenience remains central to these trends. Nearly half of consumers (47%), aged 35 and over, would accept contactless-only payments to reduce queue times. Meanwhile, those aged 34 and below see flexibility differently – 52% of them would prefer staff taking payments on the move with portable POS devices. Security continues to be a priority among generations, with 61% citing trust and safety as most important when paying in person.

The findings underline that the UK’s payment landscape is no longer one-size-fits-all. While digital-first habits dominate younger demographics, older generations maintain trust in familiar methods such as contactless cards, chip and pin cards, and cash. Businesses that offer flexible, secure, and convenient checkout options are likely to meet the expectations of every customer.