Walk into almost any club today and you’ll notice something different at the bar – fewer coins, fewer notes, and far more taps of a card or phone.
Contactless payments have quickly become the norm across the UK, and clubs are no exception. What started as a convenient alternative has now reshaped how members spend, how clubs operate, and even how revenue is generated.
But what does this shift really mean for clubs?
A Shift From Cash To Convenience
Contactless payments have grown rapidly over the past few years, with the vast majority of in-store card payments now made using a simple tap. In fact, recent data shows that over 90% of eligible card transactions in the UK are now contactless.
This change has been driven by one key factor: convenience.
Members no longer need to carry cash, queue at ATMs, or worry about having the right change. Instead, they can order drinks, food, or event tickets quickly and seamlessly.
For clubs, this means faster service at busy times and a smoother overall experience for members.
Faster Transactions, Higher Spend
One of the biggest impacts of contactless payments is how it influences spending behaviour.
Because transactions are quicker and feel less “tangible” than handing over cash, members are often more willing to make additional purchases. Research has consistently shown that the ease of contactless payments can encourage more frequent, smaller transactions throughout a visit.
In a club environment, this often results in members making more spontaneous decisions throughout their visit. Whether it’s another round, food at the bar, or taking part in club events, those small, quick transactions can quickly add up.
Even though the average contactless transaction is relatively small (around £16), these add up over time, with the average UK consumer spending over £3,800 per year via contactless.
For clubs, that convenience-led spending can have a noticeable impact on overall revenue.
Keeping Up With Member Expectations
Consumer behaviour has changed, and expectations have followed.
Today, most people use contactless payments regularly, with around 85% of UK adults using them at least once a month.
Younger members, in particular, are increasingly relying on mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, while older generations are also quickly adopting the technology.
For clubs, this means that offering contactless payment options is no longer a “nice to have” – it’s expected.
Clubs that don’t offer card or contactless payments may find themselves slowing down service, frustrating members, or even missing out on sales when customers simply don’t have cash on them.
Supporting Busy Club Environments
Clubs often experience peaks in activity – match days, events, live entertainment, or weekend evenings.
During these times, speed matters.
Contactless payments help reduce queues and keep service flowing, allowing staff to serve more members in less time. This is particularly important in bar areas, where delays can directly impact sales and member satisfaction.
It’s no surprise that contactless usage in hospitality settings, including bars, pubs, and clubs, continues to grow year on year.
A Move Towards A More Cashless Future
While cash hasn’t disappeared entirely, its role is steadily declining.
More people are choosing digital and contactless methods as their primary way to pay, and this trend is expected to continue.
With upcoming changes in the UK even removing traditional contactless limits, the payment experience is set to become even more seamless in the years ahead.
For clubs, this presents an opportunity to modernise operations and align with how members already prefer to spend.
What This Means For Your Club
The rise of contactless payments isn’t just a technology trend – it’s a shift in behaviour.
Clubs that embrace it are better positioned to improve service, increase spending, and meet the expectations of their members. When paying is simple, quick, and effortless, members are far more likely to stay longer and spend more during their visit.
If your club hasn’t yet made the move to contactless payments, now is the time to act. At Club Assure, we can provide reliable, easy-to-use card machines tailored to your club’s needs, helping you speed up service and maximise revenue. Get in touch with our team today to find out how simple it is to get started.
