Last week, we reported that contactless card payments would be changing to allow shoppers a maximum of £45, instead of the existing £30 cap.
Those changes come in to place today, meaning it should hopefully make life easier for shoppers to pay for larger purchases using contactless - eliminating the need to touch a physical card reader.
Speaking about the changes, Andrew Cregan, head of payments policy for the BRC, said: "The last contactless limit increase to £30 took two years to implement but, given the extraordinary circumstances we face today, this new £45 limit will be rolled-out from next week.
"Some shops will take longer to make the necessary changes, given the strain they’re under. In the meantime, most customers can continue to make contactless payments for higher amounts using their smart phone."
Shoppers are now being urged to use contactless wherever possible when paying for their shopping, as it reduces the risk of transferring coronavirus germs on hard surfaces.
Speaking to the Telegraph, a World Health Organization spokesperson said: "We know that money changes hands frequently and can pick up all sorts of bacteria and viruses.
"We would advise people to wash their hands after handling banknotes, and avoid touching their face.
"When possible it would also be advisable to use contactless payments to reduce the risk of transmission."
