Are contactless payments still not possible with Tesco? Problem explained

WHEN contactless payment systems fail, customers can be left at the checkout with no way to pay.

Tesco's contactless payment system went 'down' on February 3, with shoppers complaining of huge queues and 'absolute carnage'.

But what happens in these scenarios and can you still use your payment cards?

What happens if contactless is not available?

All types of the supposedly easier payment methods – including Apple Pay – normally don't work at checkout.

This means that unless you have cash or your physical credit or debit card with you, you won't be able to pay for your store.

Reports of a disruption at Tesco flooded Down detector on February 3 around 1 p.m.

More than 400 users reported problems with contactless payments at Tesco stores.

And frustrated users rushed to X, formerly Twitter, to express their anger.

One said: “If you shop at Tesco today please note they cannot accept contactless payments, real card or cash only!”

Another commented: “Every time I come to @Tesco#walsall there is a problem.

“The escalator doesn't work, the elevator doesn't work, I get scanned and checked in the store 7/10 times, their contactless system doesn't work and I don't have a card on me… I'm so done with this place.”

A third tweeted: “Silverburn Tesco had a queue out the door with people waiting for the self-service.

“Contactless payment doesn't work, it's absolute carnage.”

And it's not the first time shoppers have encountered problems with contactless payments at Tesco.

The supermarket had the same malfunction in October.

Can I still pay for my store with my card?

If the contactless payment system goes down, this does not necessarily mean that you cannot make a card payment.

Instead, you have to pay for your store with chip and pin.

At checkout you will need to insert your payment card and enter your PIN.

But if you don't know your PIN code, you only have the option to pay in cash.

If both contactless and card payment services are down, you will only be able to pay for your store with cash.