Before diving deep into the payment options in the United Kingdom, we would like to learn more about this unique country and some facts that might surprise our readers. The United Kingdom, or The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, is a European sovereign country located on the north-western coast of the continental mainland.
It consists of four countries: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. On the other hand, Great Britain only includes England, Scotland and Wales, while Britain includes England and Wales. Since we know the differences between these three words that get confused a lot, it is time to go forward in clear waters and have a glimpse of the British lifestyle.
“Heaven take thy soul, and England keep my bones!” says William Shakespeare, the greatest English playwright of all time.
Have you ever been to England? Iconic kiosks, Fish and Chips, Big Ben, Red Buses, Black Cabs, Oasis, Blur, the Beatles, rainy London, Virginia Woolf, Charles Dickens, and Stonehenge, which is older than the Pyramids! Oh! It would be a shame not to mention the most prestigious universities around the globe: The University of Oxford and The University of Cambridge (jointly known as “Oxbridge”), with histories of over eight centuries. This country is not only elite but also gives great importance to education.
There is much more than the eye meets in this unique constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy – a rare charm and discipline leading it to be a superpower for many centuries. Named “The empire on which the sun never sets”, the British Empire had broadened its borders so much that it was always daytime somewhere in the empire. Therefore, it is possible to find a myriad of residents coming from different ethnic backgrounds.
Did you know the United Kingdom ranks third in the list of countries that consume tea the most? British people simply adore drinking tea. They have ceremonies and set times for daily tea consumption, and high-quality tea is essential for these people. Everything about the British people is refined, and tea is undoubtedly not an exception. They also like to put milk in their tea. Next time while drinking your cup of morning tea, try it with some milk. You will not regret it.
As lovely as it is, the UK is known for its gloomy weather that is rainy most of the year. The country generally gets cool, wet winters and warm, wet summers. People used to the sunny climates may feel moody and suffer from minor depression once they move to the UK. This is a common concern due to the amount of sunlight which is pretty low most of the year. Therefore, if you are planning a long holiday in the UK, do not forget your umbrella and vitamin D supplements.
Undoubtedly, one of the characteristics of this fascinating country is the Royal Family. The United Kingdom loves to celebrate, and royal weddings are definitely a huge event worth seeing. The last royal wedding was Prince William and Catherine Middleton’s wedding. Apart from the incredible wedding ceremony, there were many parades and celebrations throughout the country.
Speaking of the royal family, we cannot forget about Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Sadly, the queen passed away on September 8, 2022, making her son, Charles III, the king. Queen Elizabeth II’s reign of 70 years and 214 days is the longest of any British monarch and the longest recorded of any female head of state in known history. What a long and majestic life to live! Hopefully, she is now reunited with the love of her life, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in the afterlife.
Last but not least, our topic is the living standards in this beautiful country. According to the OECD Better Life Index, The United Kingdom outperforms the average in income, jobs, education, social connections, safety and life satisfaction. Healthcare is indeed accessible for ordinary British people, and general education is gratis to all legal residents. Considering its geographical location and high living standards, it is unsurprising that The United Kingdom has always been a spot for immigration waves. Even for today!
The United Kingdom is a well-established country that values its people. Even though traditions play a considerable role in daily life, the government is definitely open to technological improvements that appear in modern times. Preferred payment methods and practices in The United Kingdom are not so different from the rest of the European continent. In the rest of the article, our readers will find crucial details about the payment options in The United Kingdom.
What are the Different Types of Payment Methods in The United Kingdom?
- Credit Cards in The United Kingdom
British people love their credit and debit cards. But mostly, debit cards are in use more than credit cards. In the rest of Europe, the opposite is true. People mostly use their credit cards for bonus points and credit limits. But in the United Kingdom, the average shopper has 2-3 debit cards per person. According to ukfinance.org, there were 2 billion debit card transactions in May 2022, whereas there were around 357.4 million credit card transactions in the same month.
The most popular major credit and debit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express, are accepted in the United Kingdom. You can efficiently utilise your debit/credit cards to shop in physical stores and online shopping sites. If you travel to the UK, you should have no problem using your regular credit or debit card. However, we still suggest you carry cash in small amounts, just in case.
- Cash in The United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has always been open to technological improvements. Payment methods are not an exception. Even though the official currency of the United Kingdom, the Pound Sterling, or GBP, is still in use, especially for small, in-store transactions, it is becoming less and less popular. In fact, the UK has become closer to becoming a cash-free society recently, with fewer people using cash for their daily transactions.
British people love the convenience of their debit cards, and there is a clear shift in payment methods. After all the mess we have passed through during Covid-19, as you might expect, none of us wants to touch a banknote full of germs. Just like the rest of Europe, and the world, consumers prefer contactless payment solutions rather than on the counter.
- Digital Wallets in The United Kingdom
Mobile payment methods in The United Kingdom have also been gaining popularity as cash usage drops, and digital wallets can be considered one of the best payment methods online. Digital wallets provide many benefits for online payments, such as secure payments without entering your bank information, fast transactions and benefits such as discounts and bonuses.
As it seems, Digital wallet usage in The United Kingdom will continue to grow as more options come up on the market. As mentioned before, The United Kingdom is all about getting the best of the modern world’s improvements. Who wouldn’t want to use the better way if there is one? Right?
- Cryptocurrency in The United Kingdom
The United Kingdom regulations are somewhat strict for cryptocurrencies. While one can buy and sell cryptocurrencies, trading cryptocurrency derivatives is banned due to a recent decree by the UK’s financial regulations. You can still sign up to cryptocurrency platforms and safely buy and sell crypto coins using fiat currencies.
Additionally, you are required to pay tax on your earnings from crypto. Since buying and selling coins is not considered gambling, you’re liable to pay tax on the percentage of your profits. As long as you meet with taxation terms and keep it legal, it is possible to utilise these new ways of financials. Plus, according to the latest statistics, multiple art galleries have purchased a significant amount of NFT digital art pieces in the last two years.
Jeton Wallet in the United Kingdom!
Our state-of-art digital wallet, Jeton Wallet, was created to provide seamless and speedy banking services to the United Kingdom as well as all around the world. Are you an entrepreneur visiting London for future opportunities? Or a digital nomad enchanted by the dynamic nature of London. No matter why you stepped in, we understand your concerns and obstacles regarding opening accounts unless you have a resident card. In contrast to traditional banking, you can create your Jeton account in a couple of minutes and start taking advantage of the latest innovative approaches to finances.
Thanks to our professional inner circle, your account will be linked to a well-equipped mobile application where you can follow all transactions with a few clicks. Moreover, we present the most affordable international money transfers in the market. Did you know that transfers between two Jeton users are completely free? Thus, sending and receiving money overseas is a piece of cake with our outstanding services.
Would you like to learn more about our services and advantages? Please visit jeton.com and contact our representatives. Explore a whole new online experience via Jeton!
