Contactless payments exploded in 2020. According to the Bank Card (CB) figures unveiled by
Les Échos
this Friday, January 15, they accounted for 47% of the approximately 8 billion euros of card transactions carried out in physical stores. last year.
In December, more than half of card payments (52%) were made without contact, compared to 38% at the start of the year.
Read also: 2020, the year when "contactless" payment has dethroned cash
First element of explanation: the increase, on May 11, of the payment ceiling from 30 to 50 euros.
“
A real simplification of everyday life for all French people
”, explained the Minister of the Economy, Bruno Le Maire at the time.
The raising of this ceiling was already under study, but the Covid-19 epidemic has accelerated discussions between French banks, which are decision-makers in the matter.
About twenty European countries had announced at the end of March the raising of their contactless payment ceilings, most often to 50 euros.
A barrier gesture
Another explanation: the equipment rate of traders which has continued to climb.
Since 2018, the number of merchants who have a payment terminal allowing them to accept contactless has increased from 59% to 80%, note
Les Échos
.
The best-equipped sectors are large and medium-sized distribution, bakeries, tobacco bars and even post offices.
Read also: Six banks sanctioned for excessive fees on card payments
Finally, in the midst of an epidemic, contactless was presented by traders as a form of health measure.
Banks and merchants have indeed argued that this method of payment reduces the possibilities of contamination compared to a payment by bank card via a code to be typed on a keyboard or the handling of cash. "
It is an important barrier gesture for protect the health of consumers and traders,
”Bruno Le Maire confirmed last spring.
An argument that clearly accelerated the trend last year.
