Some 70 percent of consumers want unattended terminals to accept both card and cash payments and a significant number are willing to use wearable devices or digital wallets at these locations, according to a survey of U.S., U.K. and Australian adults commissioned by Transaction Network Services.

"Our report shows significant promise for the unattended terminals market globally with consumer attitudes and behaviors creating an environment optimal for growth," Lisa Shipley, general manager of TNS' fintech solutions business in the Americas, said in a press release. "In addition to expanding the locations and types of goods sold, there is a substantial opportunity to expand unattended terminals to accept new payment methods."

Kantar TNS commissioned a U.S., Australia and U.K. survey in March 2018 on behalf of Transaction Network Services. The survey interviewed 1,027 U.S. adults, 1,032 Australian adults and 1,024 U.K. adults. The survey was conducted by online self-completion interview between March 8-12 by Kantar TNS. 

Some of the survey highlights include: 

• Men are the bigger adopters of card payments at unattended terminals.
• More than 55 percent of Australian adults use their credit or debit cards at unattended parking meters, kiosks and exit barriers.
• U.K. use of credit/debit cards at kiosks or vending machines to buy food or drink has grown by a third in the last two years.
• Twenty-seven percent of all respondents have already used their credit/debit cards at unattended terminals to purchase clothing.
• U.S. consumers exhibit the largest security concerns.
• There is a significant preference for card use among the younger age groups even if there is a charge.