Topline: COVID fuels digital payments, online shopping

Online shopping and the use of digital payments were growing in popularity in many parts of the world prior to the pandemic, but they became increasingly more important in limiting the spread of COVID-19.

Social distancing measures have "redrawn the lines" when it comes to the checkout, according to the third edition of the “Visa Back to Business Study – 2021 Outlook,” which breaks down changes in consumer behaviour and expectations around digital commerce.

Conducted by: Wakefield Research on behalf of Visa.

Methodology: The survey was conducted between November 13 and November 25, 2020, among 1,000 adults ages 18+ in the U.S., and 500 adults ages 18+ in each of the following markets: Brazil, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Russia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates. The data was weighted to ensure an accurate representation of adults ages 18+ in each market.

Key findings:

• 64% of Canadian consumers (compared to the global average of 58%) have used contactless payments whenever possible in the past three months.


• Contactless payment usage among Canadian consumers is up from last summer when just over half (52%) were using contactless as much as possible.


• Other shifts in behaviour include not using cash as much (49%) and shopping online whenever possible (42%, compared to the global average of 52%).


• 56% of Canadians (compared to the global average of 50%) list offering contactless payment methods as one of the most important safety measures stores can offer.