News

Report shows significant growth opportunities for unattended payment kiosks

June 19, 2018

Seventy percent of consumers want unattended terminals to accept both bankcard and cash payments and a significant number are willing to use wearable devices or digital wallets at these locations, according to a recent survey of U.S., U.K. and Australian adults commissioned by Transaction Network Services. 

Findings include:

• Men are more likely than women to pay by card at unattended terminals.
• More than 55 percent of Australian adults have used a bankcard at unattended parking meters, kiosks and exit barriers.
• During the past two years, the use of bankcards at food and drink kiosks and vending machines in the U.K. has grown by a third.
• Twenty-seven percent of survey participants said they had used a bankcard at an unattended terminal to purchase clothing.
• U.S. consumers expressed the greatest concern about security at unattended terminals.
• Younger adults exhibit a significant preference for card paments, even if it incurs a fee.

"Our report shows significant promise for the unattended terminals market globally with consumer attitudes and behaviors creating an environment optimal for growth," Laura Shipley, TNS general manager of the fintech solutions business for the Americas, said in the press release. "In addition to expanding the locations and types of goods sold, there is a substantial opportunity to expand unattended terminals to accept new payment methods.
 
"We found 36 percent of consumers willing to make a payment at an unattended kiosk or vending machine using a wearable device, such as a bracelet or fitness tracker, including almost half of those aged 18 to 34," Shipley said. "In addition, 57 percent of this age group are also willing to make a payment at an unattended terminal using a digital wallet."