Retail Ireland, the Ibec representative body for the retail sector in Ireland, has welcomed the move by banks to increase the limit on contactless payments from €30 to €50.

The move comes in order to comply with the HSE’s recommendation to use contactless payments as much as practicable. 

Interactions

The increased limit had been requested by Retail Ireland to reduce physical interactions at cash registers in the context of Covid-19.

 Director of Retail Ireland Arnold Dillon, said: “The move is a welcomed first step to help reduce physical contact around cash registers.

“Normally, the banks would have security concerns around such a measure but we are now living in extraordinary times. An increase to €50 is a step in the right direction, and hopefully this can be raised further in the period ahead.

“Retailers are taking a range of new measures to facilitate social distancing in stores and provide the best possible health and safety environment for both workers and customers.

Cap

“Today’s move by the banks to raise this cap makes it easier and safer for both consumers and retail staff to deal with the heightened demand.

“We believe that by this action, banks will alleviate some of the physical contact that the HSE are advising the pubic to avoid.”