UK Contactless Card Users to Get Power Over Spending Limits
Millions of Brits using contactless cards are set for a major shake-up. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has unveiled plans to let banks and card providers raise – or even ditch – the existing £100 contactless spending limit starting March.
Choose Your Own Limit – Or Switch Contactless Off
Under the new rules, you could soon set your own maximum contactless spend or disable the feature completely. While a few banks already offer this freedom through their apps, the FCA wants every provider to give customers full control.
FCA Supports Change Despite Low Demand
A recent FCA survey showed most customers and industry experts are happy with the £100 cap. But the regulator insists flexibility is key. “We don’t expect immediate hikes,” the FCA said, “but the option will be there should firms want to act.”
Contactless Limits Through the Years
- 2007: Contactless limit starts at £10
- 2010: Raised to £15
- 2012: Increased to £20
- 2015: Jumped to £30
- 2020: Pandemic boost to £45
- 2021: Current £100 limit introduced
This game-changing move gives shoppers more freedom – but also more risk if cards go missing. One thing’s clear: UK contactless payments are entering a new era of user control.
