Tap Payments Take Over 51% of Card Transactions in Canada for First Time in Q1

According to the latest MonerisMetrics Quarterly Spend Report for Q1 2019, Canadians continue to use tap payments when it comes to card transactions.

In Q1 2019, over half of card transactions were performed via a contactless payment in Canada, at 51.5% of transactions, a whopping 24.7% volume growth increase year-over-year.

Moneris data shows eight provinces are leading the charge with card transactions dominated by contactless payments:

1. Prince Edward Island: 59.2%
2. Manitoba: 58.2%
3. Nova Scotia: 55.2%
4. Ontario: 54.0%
5. British Columbia: 53.5%
6. Alberta: 52.1%
7. Saskatchewan: 51.6%
8. New Brunswick: 51.0%

The provinces with the lowest growth rates year-over-year for tap payments were Alberta (+0.7%), Saskatchewan (+0.6%) and Newfoundland (-2.9%).

“Consumers want to get through a queue quickly, so a fast, simple payment experience is what they’re looking for,” said Angela Brown, President and CEO of Moneris, in an issued statement to iPhone in Canada.



Card spending in Canada for Q1 2019 increased 2.5%, while theatrical productions, camp sites and trailer parks and landscaping were top areas where Canadians spent their money.

“It’s never been easier for businesses to start accepting payments via tap. With more banks supporting digital wallets and more devices supporting tap to pay, it’s not a surprise that we are seeing contactless transactions surge. Whether it’s tap-enabled cards, mobile devices or wearables, Canadians have clearly embraced the tap and go experience,” added Brown.

Canada has long had tap debit and credit cards, so combined with the popularity of mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, tap spending has never been easier.