Contactless payment trends show growth in Ireland and surcharge concerns in New Zealand

Data from Clover, a Fiserv platform, shows that contactless payments accounted for 83% of all transactions in Ireland in 2026, up from 80% in 2024. The shift is particularly evident in the nighttime economy, where 90% of purchases in pubs, bars, and nightclubs are now contactless. Cash usage has dropped significantly, representing only 5% of transactions in those venues and 3.3% in the broader retail sector.

While contactless remains dominant for lower-value transactions, its use is expanding into higher-value spending. Nearly 49% of transactions between €50 and €100 are now contactless, and 35% of transactions exceeding €100 use the method, compared to 24% in 2024.

In contrast, research from Payments NZ indicates that surcharges are becoming a deterrent for contactless users in New Zealand. A survey of 1,000 New Zealanders found that 93% of respondents cited surcharges as the primary reason for avoiding contactless payments, overtaking security concerns. The study also noted a decline in contactless usage among those aged 65 and older, with usage in this demographic dropping from 79% in 2022 to 69% in 2026.