The poll of more than 2,000 UK adults suggested many consumers think contactless cards are a ‘step backwards’ security-wise, with 67% predicting they won’t be around in five years time.

Contactless is a function on certain debit, credit and prepaid cards that allows customers to buy goods costing £20 or less without entering a PIN.

The study by www.VoucherCodesPro.co.uk found that 55% of those who have a card with contactless payment capabilities have yet to use it, with 41% blaming security concerns and 36% saying they don’t know how it works.

However, 23% of respondents admitted they weren’t aware of the security measures in place to protect consumers with contactless payment cards, such as payment amount and transaction limits.

George Charles, spokesperson for VoucherCodesPro.co.uk, said: “Contactless payment technology is all about making the purchase process quicker for consumers, cutting back on queues and generally lessening the hassle of paying at tills. However, perhaps its days are well and truly numbered. If people with the ability to pay in this way aren’t taking advantage, for whatever reason, it seems to be pointless to try and push it.

“I can understand why people have security concerns, but know that banks are doing what they can to limit risk. If consumers don’t have confidence in the payment method though, perhaps more needs to be done in terms of educating people about the advantages and safety restrictions that have been put in place.”