The contactless card payment limit in most shops will increase from £30 to £45 today as part of UK Government measures to combat the spread of coronavirus. "Tap and go" contactless cards initially had a limit of £10 in 2007, which was increased to £15 in 2010, £20 in 2012 and to £30 in 2015.
Trade association UK Finance, which represents the finance and payments industry, said the decision to raise the limit was made following talks with the retail sector.It follows similar increases recently made elsewhere in Europe.
An increased limit was already being considered but the process has been accelerated as part of the industry's response to Covid-19.