Integrating mobile payments into the point of sale still has not been prioritized by many retailers. Scanning QR codes, connecting with NFC-capable devices and even Bluetooth technology can add further complication to completing a transaction, even if the necessary systems are in place to accept purchases from smartphones. Until the innovation becomes as easy as swiping a card, the adoption rate may remain low among consumers, but accepting the method could be important for merchants. 

According to a recent study from TNS Global, U.K. shoppers who employ contactless payments and smartphone apps on average spend more per transaction (£24) than customers using cash (£17). The total number of consumers buying products with these methods represents less than 10 percent of the typical monthly purchasing methods, but as mobile devices continue rising in popularity and utility, this may change. 

Ecommerce shows a similar pattern, as mobile banking transactions are little used by most U.K. shoppers, but they also drive higher sales per transaction (£104) than debit cards (£52). Emarketer suggested that this may be due to mobile payments striking a balance of convenience between cash and credit or debit cards, which remains a key motivator for how people buy products and services.