The death of cash?

More purchases were made by debit card than cash for the first time last year.

Trade association UK Finance’s analysis found there were 13.2 billion debit card payments in the UK last year, compared to 13.1billion in cash.

The rise of contactless payments is a key factor in increased debit card use and almost two-thirds (63%) of adults now use contactless cards, with the average shopper making nine contactless payments per month, up from five in 2016.

By 2027, UK Finance expects adults to make 22 contactless payments per month.