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A hand holds several credit cards and a SUBE card in front of a blue validator, next to a line 60 bus parked on the street.
The number of passengers using contactless payments in public transportation is increasing | Camara La Derecha Diario
ARGENTINA

Contactless payments in public transportation with cards and cell phones are on the rise

NFC is gaining ground in transportation and retail. Eight out of ten in-person payments are now contactless

by

Editorial Team

The use of contactless payments with cards and cell phones is growing steadily in Argentina. The opening of payment methods in subways and buses has boosted the trend, joining a global phenomenon.

NFC (Near Field Communication) technology is gaining ground in in-person purchases, both with plastic cards and digital wallets. Industry data show a significant leap in its adoption.

Person using their mobile phone to pay at a digital reader for public transportation access
The use of contactless payments with cards and cell phones is growing steadily in Argentina | La Derecha Diario

Eight out of ten payments are already contactless

At Payway, they reported that 80% of in-person transactions at their terminals are already made with contactless technology. In addition, NFC accounts for more than 45% of the total transaction volume.

Meanwhile, at Fiserv, they indicated that in July, 25% of their transactions were NFC, with sustained growth compared to the previous year. "The evolution is remarkable and the trend continues to rise," they stated.

Ualá: the cell phone as a payment method

At Ualá, owner of Uilo bank, they confirmed that 16% of in-person purchases are already made from cell phones, just three months after enabling Google Pay. Public transportation leads usage, with 40% adoption.

Person holding a mobile phone displaying a finance app with an investment balance in dollars.
Ualá confirmed that 16% of in-person purchases are already made from cell phones | La Derecha Diario

Sectors where NFC is most used

  • Public transportation: 40%
  • Supermarkets: 39%
  • Fast food: 35%
  • Restaurants: 24%

Transportation, a key driver of growth

According to Sbase, in June, 36% of subway trips were paid for with new alternatives. 30% were with contactless cards or cell phones and 6% with QR code.

A yellow Buenos Aires subway train with its doors open at a station.
Transportation, a key driver of growth | La Derecha Diario

A global wave that keeps growing

Worldwide, contactless payments have grown by more than 50% since 2020 and in several European countries exceed 85% of retail payments, according to Accenture. Watches and other wearables are also joining the trend.

Challenges for the Argentine market

Specialists highlight the need to continue promoting the method, strengthen security, and simplify the payment experience. In addition, promotions and benefits are key to attracting new users.

At Ualá, they admit that 4 out of 10 users tried the system because of a discount. However, they emphasize that convenience is what ensures its frequent use in the long term.

➡️ Argentina

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