Supermarkets have adapted to keep customers and staff safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
Two-metre social distancing, the wearing of face coverings in store and limits on the number of shoppers inside are just some of the measures that Scots have had to live with for almost a year now.
The use of contactless and card payments has increased massively as supermarkets encourage shoppers to minimise the contact they have with shop workers.
Data released by UK Finance revealed that contactless payments increased to as high as 64 per cent of all debit card transactions in September last year.
Here is where every supermarket stands on the use of card payments and their views on the use of cash during the pandemic.
Asda
Asda is urging customers to pay by card “if possible”, but there is no rules against using card in-store.
The supermarket chain has also increased the contactless card payment limit to £45 for debit and credit cards across all Scottish stores.
Asda’s Scan & Go service has also been rolled out to all supermarkets in a bid to minimise contact.
A spokesperson for the firm said: “To help reduce contact in our stores we’ve also rolled out ‘Scan and Go’ mobile to all of our supermarkets, superstores and super centres.
“Customers can use their own device to scan their shopping and pack as they go.
“Many of our larger stores also offer Scan & Go handsets in addition to Scan & Go mobile. To use your own device in store, please visit the app store and download the free Asda Scan & Go app.”
Tesco
Tesco has not specified any rules on the use of card and cash during the pandemic.
A notice on its website reads: “Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve focused on ensuring everyone can get the food they need in a safe environment.
“Our safety measures are there to protect you and our colleagues, as we all follow the latest government guidance.”
Sainsbury's
Customers are being urged to pay with card when shopping at Sainsbury’s stores.
However, those looking to pay with cash should use one of the firm’s self-service tills in order to protect staff and shoppers in store.
Scots can also take advantage of the “till-free and contactless” shopping service SmartShop.
The supermarket said: “SmartShop is now available in all of our supermarkets and we have been rapidly rolling out SmartShop Mobile Pay to Sainsbury’s convenience stores, offering till-free and contactless shopping.
“The app is now live in over 500 Sainsbury’s Locals. Please ask one of our in-store colleagues if you would like to know more about how SmartShop can help you shop safely and also save you time.”
Morrisons
Shoppers have been urged to pay by card or by smartphone to reduce cash being handled in store.
The supermarket also increased the contactless card limit from £30 to £45, which has been in place throughout much of the pandemic.
David Potts, Chief Executive of Morrisons, said: “We want to thank all our customers for using less cash as it is another step in helping to keep our customers and colleagues safe.
“We’re pleased to be able to help them further by increasing the limit on contactless cards.
Aldi
Aldi has asked customers to use card payments or contactless “where possible”.
A spokesperson for the supermarket said: “Yes we are still accepting cash payments in our stores, however, we are asking customers to use contactless forms of payment where possible.”
Lidl
Lidl shoppers have been encouraged to “pay safely” using contactless or card payments in store.
The supermarket has increased its contactless payment limit from £30 to £45 in all Scots stores.
