A new poll by global research and technology firm Vision Critical shows that Britons are wary of mobile NFC contactless payments—with women voicing particular unease about the security implications.

Consumers are distinctly uncomfortable with contactless payments made through their mobile device. In the survey, half of respondents (51%) report being fairly or very uncomfortable at the prospect. Women are particularly skeptical; but there is a niche of young men and current smartphone users who support the practice.

More consumers trust banks to operate a mobile payment platform than card providers, mobile operators or handset manufacturers.

Two-in-five respondents (41%) favor debiting funds from a current bank account, while one-in-five (20%) would prefer a dedicated “mobile wallet” account for the purpose of making mobile payments. Mobile payments would decrease the use of cash and debit cards more than credit cards with one third of respondents (33%) saying they would spend a lot or a little less with cash and debit cards. One-in-five respondents (22%) would spend less on their credit cards with the advent of mobile payments.

“Mobile payments have been talked about for years, and it looks like they’re finally going to get off the ground,” said Mike Stevens, Head of Research at Vision Critical’s London office. “But a lot of people are clearly uncomfortable. There is a perceived security risk that will need to be addressed as services are rolled out. Banks could play a strong role here; they are generally more trusted by their customers than other players in the mobile payments game.”

Source: Vision Critical