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Story perspectives

UK Banks Set Own Contactless Limits Amid New Regulations

3/19/2026

30 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

New regulations effective March 19, supported by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), let banks set their own contactless limits.
Major UK banks will keep the current £100 limit for now.
Barclays and Lloyds Bank allow customers to adjust limits in their apps.
TSB and Revolut will not increase limits, while Starling Bank is reviewing changes.
Existing protections reimburse unauthorized transactions, and contactless usage has grown significantly.

History

Historical Context

In the UK, contactless payment limits rose from £30 to £100 in October 2021, reflecting a shift towards digital transactions. This change, supported by the Financial Conduct Authority, follows a 12% increase in contactless payments during 2020, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 2021, over 142 million contactless-enabled cards were in circulation, reshaping consumer spending habits.

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Story summary

New regulations effective March 19, supported by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), let banks set their own contactless limits.
Major UK banks will keep the current £100 limit for now.
Barclays and Lloyds Bank allow customers to adjust limits in their apps.
TSB and Revolut will not increase limits, while Starling Bank is reviewing changes.
Existing protections reimburse unauthorized transactions, and contactless usage has grown significantly.

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