Consumers in Canada Shun Cash and Bank Branches on Virus Fears

  • More than 25% have increased use of contactless payments
  • Banks need payment strategy for after pandemic: McKinsey

Social distancing signs are now a fixture of Toronto’s financial district.

Photographer: Cole Burston/Bloomberg
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Canadian consumers are changing their banking habits to reduce physical contact with others because of Covid-19, according to a new study by McKinsey & Co.

The survey, which polled about 1,000 people in Canada, found that 26% of respondents have increased their use of contactless payments and 42% have decreased their use of cash.