First Data white paper highlights wide variations in consumer payment preferences across five markets

London, Oct. 31, 2011 – Research commissioned by First Data Corporation, a global leader in electronic commerce and payment processing, indicates that while traditional payment methods (cash, debit card, credit card) remain the primary preference for making purchases, consumers in the Middle East and Poland demonstrate greater enthusiasm for new payment technologies, such as contactless and mobile, than those in the UK/Ireland, Germany and Australia.

The research findings are included within a white paper entitled Payment Methods: What Do International Consumers Want, Need and Expect? which was launched earlier this month at First Data’s International Leadership Summit. The paper analyses consumer desire for traditional and emerging payment methods in Australia, Germany, the Middle East, Poland, and the UK/Ireland. Highlights from the white paper include:

Cash remains king: Despite the growth of debit and credit, cash is still the most frequently used method of payment with 46% of survey respondents collectively stating this as their preferred method. Cash is the most commonly used in the Middle East (by 66% of consumers) and Germany (58%), while in Poland, it is used as frequently as debit cards (both 44%). Only in the UK/Ireland and Australia is cash used less frequently, where debit (39%) and credit (37%) respectively are the most common payment methods. 

Contactless payment adoption has been lackluster in all countries: While contactless payments have been available for several years in the countries surveyed ownership of cards is very low. However, coupled with the likelihood of using a contactless card if they had one, the Middle East (70%) and Poland (57%) showed the greatest appetite for the technology, with Germany (31%) and the UK/Ireland (26%) lagging in comparison. More than half of respondents collectively had security concerns; however, 70% suggested they would consider making contactless payments once it is accepted by at least 40% of merchants.

Mobile payments expected to prevail in most countries, but security concerns remain: The likelihood of using a mobile device to make payments is highest in the Middle East (58%) with Poland suggesting a similar appetite (51%). In contrast consumers in the UK/Ireland (25%) and Germany (30%) indicate more reticence. Security concerns remain a barrier to adoption across the board with respondents most fearful of payment information being compromised (68%) and losing their mobile phone (64%).

Mobile wallet appeal driven by apps beyond payments: Consumers in all markets expressed interest in using a mobile wallet and mobile apps to not only pay for products/services but also for everyday expenditures, such as travel, and memberships. While Polish respondents showed the greatest propensity to use a mobile wallet straight away (32%) all markets indicated a ‘wait and see approach’, suggesting they will eventually move to mobile wallets once they are generally accepted and available (Germany 60%, Middle East 74%, Poland 61%, UK/Ireland 51%).

Banks are the trusted and preferred provider for mobile wallet: More than half of all international consumers would choose their bank as their mobile wallet provider, followed by PayPal, which was chosen by just 12% of respondents. Similar to contactless cards, security concerns remain a barrier with nearly three quarters of consumers fearing their payment information would be compromised or that they would lose their phone.

John Elkins, President, First Data International Regions, commented: “Consumers in the Middle East and Poland clearly have a strong appetite for new ways to pay for their goods. Indeed we could well see these markets leapfrog contactless and go straight to mobile payments. For merchants in these countries the message is clear – consumers want these technologies now. 

“In contrast there is clearly more work to be done to allay security fears in the UK/Ireland, Germany and Australia where acquirers and merchants need to continue to promote the benefits of contactless and mobile. Breeding familiarity will lead to a growth in usage, and ultimately allow both consumers and merchants to benefit from faster check out and convenience.”

The ‘Payment Methods: What international consumers want, need and expect’ white paper is available to download here.

Notes to Editors
The “Multi-Country Consumer Payment Study” was conducted by Market Strategies International, a market research consultancy, on behalf of First Data. The study was conducted during April-June 2011, among 1,000 consumers online in Australia, Germany, Poland, U.K./Ireland and the Middle East, with three-quarters of Middle Eastern consumers located in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt. All consumers in the study were recruited from an online panel and have at least one banking account and own a mobile phone. The study focused on consumer attitudes and opinions regarding current and expected usage of various payment methods. For purposes of analysis, the data was weighted by age in each country to adjust for the greater number of younger respondents.

About Market Strategies International
Market Strategies International is a market research consultancy with deep expertise in the communication, energy, financial services, healthcare and technology industries. We design and implement the most intelligent research and deliver meaningful results that help companies make business decisions with complete and total confidence. Founded in 1989, Market Strategies is the 17th largest research firm in the U.S. according to "Honomichl Top 50," published in the June 2010 issue of Marketing News.

About First Data
Around the world, every second of every day, First Data makes payment transactions secure, fast and easy for merchants, financial institutions and their customers. First Data leverages its vast product portfolio and expertise to drive customer revenue and profitability. Whether the choice of payment is by debit or credit card, gift card, check or mobile phone, online or at the checkout counter, First Data takes every opportunity to go beyond the transaction.

Contacts
Louisa Excell, First Data
+44 (0) 1268 296 578
LExcell@firstdatacorp.co.uk