At bars and restaurants digital payments preferred by 2 out of 3 Italians

67% of Italians prefer digital payments to cash when purchasing food and beverages in restaurants, bars or through delivery/shipping services. In particular, the credit/debit card is still the preferred solution, but innovative ways using apps and QR codes are growing. Furthermore, the speed of the payment process and the value of the human relationship during checkout remain key elements for customer satisfaction.

These are the main findings of a survey of a representative sample of the Italian population commissioned by Adyen, a financial technology platform specialising in electronic payment solutions.

Thequickness of the transaction is confirmed as one of the most relevant aspects for Italians in the Food & Beverage sector. "As many as 77% of those interviewed consider it important to be able to conclude the transaction in a short time," say Adyen. "This need for streamlined and wait-free processes also emerges when looking at the factors that most influence the choice of payment method: 26% indicate speed as a key element, preceded only by ease of use with 29%.

There is also a growing interest in innovative payment methods.69% of Italians would, in fact, be willing to pay at the table via QR code or app, but 40% would only do so for quick service.

No surprises on the generational difference front: "younger people show a greater openness to modes such as app payments, as in the case of Click & Collect and delivery, with 24% in the 25-34 age group, a figure that exceeds the general average by 10 percentage points, and kiosk payments, whose average of 6% is outperformed by 14% in the 18-24 age group," explain Adyen.