The World Cup Payment Outage Shows The UK Still Needs Cash

This week, during the England vs Ghana World Cup match, pubs and shops in the UK experienced a card payments outage. This left many unable to pay for their orders, but it also brought back the cash vs cashless debate.

In 2026, how important is having cash in a digital payments world? Well, 70% of the surveyed respondents in a 2026 Consumer Behaviour Survey by The Payments Association said having both cash and cashless options is important.

How Many UK Consumers Still Use Cash?

According to the study, it’s only about 28% of consumers who use cash at least weekly and 40% who use it less than monthly or never, but even then, having the option there is still preferred. So, cash isn’t so much a primary choice, but it certainly is the fallback option consumers want to have available.

The most used payment method, according to these numbers, is tied between mobile wallets and contactless debit cards at 26%. This is compared to 18% who use chip-and-PIN debit cards, and who 10% primarily use cash.

Are Consumers Still Concerned About Fraud?

Although fraud is not a recurring theme for the respondents with 76% of them saying they have not been a victim of fraud in the last year, 20% did report having been a victim of at least one type of fraud in the last year.

The types of fraud that were reported the most were Card fraud, phishing scams and online shopping fraud at 8%, 6% and 5% respectively.

This has in turn impacted how consumers choose to adopt new technologies and methods because 39% would go for the innovative methods if it meant better security methods.

Emma Banymandhub, CEO at The Payments Association, said, “Our latest report reveals striking trends around contactless and cash payments that should serve as a reminder to businesses and payment providers alike that consumer choice drives everything we do. With the UK’s payment habits evolving quickly and not necessarily following the expected digital takeover trajectory that many experts predicted, The Payments Association is pleased to provide some insight and guidance into future strategic imperatives for UK payments.”

How Are Merchants Responding To Customers’ Needs?

Another study from Lloyds’ More Than Checkout: The Role of Payments in Retail in 2026 report found that retail companies are willing to adapt to whatever consumer behaviour changes arise after 91% of the respondents said adapting to changing customer behaviour is a top strategic priority.

Lloyds also mentioned in its From Till to Table: Smarter Payments Driving Innovation in Hospitality study that 77% of the surveyed say that contactless is the most requested payment method, and 42% say slow processing is their biggest payment challenge. The digital payment failure during the game is an example of this.

So, if retailers could take one thing from the Payments Association study, it’s that retailers should look at options that support both cash and cashless, even with new technologies making payment easier and less physical.

David Thomasson, Managing Director, Business Transaction Banking, Lloyds Banking Group, said, “Major sporting events like the World Cup create some of the most concentrated spending periods of the year. Our research shows that as volumes rise, so do expectations for fast, seamless and reliable payment experiences.

“It’s in these peak moments that payment infrastructure makes the biggest difference, keeping transactions flowing, maintaining customer trust, and ensuring businesses can continue to trade smoothly. More than ever, payments are shaping how businesses operate, while helping deliver the fast, frictionless experiences that keep customers moving and enjoying the occasion.”