From previous research we know that US consumers are keen to use their mobile handsets for making in-store payments, but the majority only wants to have one credit or debit account for making those purchases, according to a new ABI Research survey of US consumer attitudes. Much of the work on developing a standard application platform across NFC handsets has been geared at providing a platform capable of supporting and managing multiple payment accounts from any number of credit and debit card issuers. However, ABI Research’s “Mobile and Contactless Payments” survey, carried out at the end of 2007, reveals that initially at least, consumers prefer a single account that is easy to manage on the handset.
US Consumers Want Single Contactless Payment Accounts, Finds Survey
US consumers are keen to use their mobile handsets for making in-store payments, but the majority only wants to have one credit/debit account for making those purchases, according to a new ABI Research survey of US consumer attitudes.
Much of the work on developing a standard application platform across NFC handsets has been geared at providing a platform capable of supporting and managing multiple payment accounts from any number of credit and debit card issuers. However, ABI Research’s “Mobile and Contactless Payments” survey, carried out at the end of 2007, reveals that initially at least, consumers prefer a single account that is easy to manage on the handset.
“Our survey revealed a number of important attitudes toward contactless payments among US consumers,” says principal analyst Jonathan Collins. “The desire for a single and separate account on NFC handsets, for example, provides a heads-up to existing credit and debit card suppliers that new or separate products may be required to keep customers as they move to mobile payments. Furthermore, it shows potential for new and specialized mobile payment providers to step in, as users turn to NFC-enabled payments.”
The survey drew together opinions from a web-based sample of more than 1000 respondents drawn from across the United States and ranging in age from 14 to 59. Participants were grouped into five age categories and five income categories. It also examined the appeal of and major concerns regarding mobile handset payments. There are clear lessons to be drawn from opinions across all age and income groups.
Other key findings from the survey include consumer attitudes toward handset security and toward potential account fees, issues that mobile operators and their NFC payment partners will have to tackle ahead of any successful contactless handset payment deployment.
ABI Research provides full survey results, with commentary and analysis, in Mobile and Contactless Payments: US Consumer Attitudes, Preferences and Interest Levels Related to NFC-Enabled Mobile Commerce. This report underscores some of the key issues that must be considered as NFC payment applications come to market, as well as providing direction and analysis of how best to meet consumers’ requirements.
It is part of the firm’s Mobile and Contactless Commerce Research Service, which also includes Research Reports, other Research Briefs, Market Data, ABI Insights, ABI Vendor Matrices, and analyst inquiry support.
ABI Research is a leading market research firm focused on the impact of emerging technologies on global consumer and business markets. Utilizing a unique blend of market intelligence, primary research, and expert assessment from its worldwide team of industry analysts, ABI Research assists hundreds of clients each year with their strategic growth initiatives. For information, visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500. ![[end]](/resources/bullet/nfcnews-4.gif)
