The voice for banks and financial institutions UK Finance announced the decision to raise the limit as part of the industry’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak. This will help consumers who choose to pay using contactless at this time.

From April 1, 2020, it’s expected more retailers will start accepting card payments with the new contactless transaction limit of £45, although UK Finance warns this roll out could potentially take time to be introduced at certain retailers. The current climate could also be a factor that could impact who and how soon the retailers adapt to the new change.

Card transactions were a common mode of payment at supermarkets and the big retail shops, while the local grocers, corner shops and vendors at the local market insisted on ‘cash only’. However, in the last few days, as a safety and hygiene measure to stop the spread of coronavirus, they have also now started to accept if not encourage paying with card.

Stephen Jones, CEO of UK Finance, said: “The payments industry has been working closely with retailers to be able to increase the contactless payment limit to help customers with their shopping at this critical time for the country.

“This will give more people the choice to opt for the speed and convenience of purchasing goods using their contactless card, helping to cut queues at the checkout.

“The industry continues to work closely with the government and regulators to support customers impacted by Covid-19 and ensure that they can pay in a way that suits them.”