Young consumers using digital wallets for payments in a retail environment - Global Banking & Finance Review
An image showcasing young adults using digital wallets for in-store purchases, reflecting the growing trend of digital payment adoption among UK consumers, as highlighted in the article.
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MORE THAN HALF OF UK CONSUMERS NOW REGULARLY USING DIGITAL WALLETS

Published by Gbaf News

Posted on November 28, 2014

2 min read
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Younger Generations Drive Digital Wallet Adoption

Younger generation most likely to embrace digital payments online and in-store

More than half of UK consumers (54%) now say they often or always use digital wallets to pay for goods online. This is according to a survey of 2,000 UK adults commissioned by digital payments experts Skrill.

More Than Half Of UK Consumers Now Regularly Using Digital Wallets

More Than Half Of UK Consumers Now Regularly Using Digital Wallets

Generational Gap in Digital Payment Usage

More than one in ten 18-24 year olds (14%) now use digital wallets for every purchase they make online. However, a generational gap is forming with over a third (37%) of those aged 55 and above admitting to never having used a digital wallet to pay for goods and services online.

Changing Payment Habits Transform Shopping

Changing payment habits are having a significant impact on how people shop, with just 4% of people saying they have never bought a product or service online. Yet the influence of technology is not confined to shopping online. When 18-24 year olds shop on the high street, one in five (17%) now pay for goods or services in-store with a mobile device, contactless reader, text service or a sensor that determines their location via their phone. This compared to only 2% of people aged 55 and over.

Business Response to Evolving Payment Trends

Chantal Willis, VP eCommerce, Skrill commented:Payment behaviour is one of the fastest changing trends in business today. The challenge for businesses, whether online or on the high street, is catering for contrasting segments of the market. While high street stores generally stick to tried and tested payment methods, online businesses have begun to embrace emerging payment methods to make sure they are not missing out on crucial sales.”

Key Takeaways

  • 54% of UK consumers often or always use digital wallets online
  • 14% of 18–24 year‑olds use digital wallets for every online purchase, while 37% of 55+ have never used them
  • 17% of 18–24 year‑olds pay in‑store via mobile methods versus just 2% of 55+
  • Digital wallets are reshaping payment behavior both online and in‑store, driven by younger consumers

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of UK consumers regularly use digital wallets online?
54% of UK consumers say they often or always use digital wallets to pay for goods online (Skrill survey).
How does digital wallet usage vary by age online?
14% of 18–24 year‑olds use digital wallets for every online purchase, whereas 37% of those aged 55+ have never used one online.
Are digital wallets used in physical stores?
Yes—17% of 18–24 year‑olds pay in‑store using mobile/contactless/digital methods compared to only 2% of those aged 55+.
Who commented on these findings and what did they say?
Chantal Willis, VP eCommerce at Skrill, noted that payment behavior is rapidly evolving and businesses must cater to diverse segments to avoid missing sales.

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