Changes to the spending limit for contactless card payments are set to take effect next month, in an effort to reduce cash handling amid the coronavirus pandemic.
From April 1, the limit will increase from £30 to £45 as emergency measures are put in place to reduce physical contact while the virus continues to gather pace.
Shoppers should see retailers accepting the new contactless payment limit from next month.
The Mirror reports the decision to raise the limit was taken following consultation between the retail sector and the finance and payments industry.
It follows similar increases in several other European countries, including Greece and Malta, over the past week.
The move comes after a number of retailers - including pubs and supermarkets - last week urged customers to consider contactless payments to reduce cash handling.
Stephen Jones, chief executive 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."
Jeni Mundy, at Visa, said: "Consumers are looking to use contactless as they shop for the things they need, so we applaud the swift action taken by the UK payments industry to increase the contactless payment limit.
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"It’s an important step, one that can help protect individuals and facilitate fast, reliable and secure digital payments, and we stand ready to support the implementation with retailers and our clients. What’s more, consumers can rest assured that contactless cards experience among the lowest fraud rates of any payment type."
Mark Barnett, at Mastercard, added: "As we all collectively navigate the current unsettling and uncertain times, providing consumers and businesses with a choice in how they wish to pay and get paid, remains a constant for us.
"On this basis we fully support the increased contactless limit here in the UK and across Europe, cardholders and shopkeepers will soon be able to make and receive more of their purchases both quickly and securely, and without the need to enter a PIN."
