The spending limit on contactless payments has been increased to £100 from today, though some retailers have warned it could take months to update terminals.

The move to increase the contactless payment limit from £45 to £100 is designed to make purchases such as a grocery shopping more convenient for customers. 

The decision was made by both the Treasury and the Financial Conduct Authority and was heralded by chancellor Rishi Sunak, who said it would provide a much-needed boost to the high street after Covid-19 lockdowns. 

However, some retailers have warned it will take months for terminals to be updated, while others are concerned about an increase in theft and fraud. 

“It may take days, weeks, or even months for some retailers to make the necessary changes in their systems so that the new limit can take effect,” said Andrew Cregan, payments policy adviser at the British Retail Consortium.

“Furthermore, some retailers may choose not to adopt the new contactless limit. As a result, customers will need to take care when making payments to check what the maximum contactless limit is for individual stores.”

Since the introduction of contactless payment in 2007, the limits have gradually increased. It moved from a £30 limit established in 2015 to £45 at the height of the pandemic last year.

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