Recent research indicates that fewer than half of British adults now carry a physical wallet, favoring mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay or Google Pay instead. This trend is particularly prevalent among Generation Z and millennials, while individuals over the age of 44 generally continue to rely on traditional debit and credit cards.
Several individuals shared their experiences regarding the use of wallets. Alosh K Jose, a 31-year-old from Newcastle, noted that the shift to online and contactless payments, especially post-COVID-19, has made a physical wallet seem unnecessary. He now keeps all his bank cards on his phone, although he described a recent experience during a power outage in Spain where he had only a small amount of cash available.
Conversely, Roger, a 69-year-old retired IT worker from Buckinghamshire, still opts for a physical wallet. He explained his concerns over the vulnerabilities of digital payment methods, expressing apprehension about carrying his smartphone for transactions. He highlighted the perceived risks of exposing sensitive information and prefers to have a backup of traditional cards, noting a piece of nostalgia in his wallet from the 1980s.
Georgina, a 26-year-old from Leeds, expressed surprise at the growing number of people who do not carry a wallet, stating her preference for physical items. She maintains a purse that contains various cards and emergency cash, resisting the trend of digital wallets due to a desire for control.
Sara Hayward, a 61-year-old artist, reported that her wallet has transformed into a larger phone case that accommodates both physical cards and personal items. Although she still carries some physical cards, she does not engage in digital payment methods, feeling that traditional options provide a sense of security. This adaptation reflects a broader dialogue regarding the balance between convenience and security in contemporary payment practices.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/sep/12/uk-readers-on-why-they-do-or-dont-carry-a-wallet