Survey: Over half of HongKongers use e-wallets for better convenience

Over half (54%) of Hong Kong consumers prefer using e-wallets as they provide "better convenience" and "discount benefits", according to a survey by HSBC's PayMe. 

Conducted by HSBC’s e-wallet PayMe at the end of December last year, the online painless payment survey asked over 1,000 local consumers about their shopping habits and payment pain points.

The survey found that in the past year nearly 40% (36%) of respondents were unable to make an intended purchase because they had lost in thoughts to bring cash or a credit card. The average value of such purchases amounted to HK$2,183. In addition, one in 10 Gen Z respondents (aged 18-24) experienced this issue five times or more.

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When it comes to their day-to-day purchase experience, 53% of respondents indicated "long queue at the cashier" as their biggest frustration, followed by the fact that "the store only accepts cash" (21%) and "they have forgotten to bring shopping vouchers or vouchers have expired" (15%). In terms of e-payment habits, more than 50% (54%) cited "better convenience" and "discount benefits" as the main reasons for using e-wallets, followed by "to avoid contact with cash notes" (39%).

Dharini Kannan Hemant, CEO of HSBC’s PayMe, said: "PayMe understands the obstacles Hong Kong consumers face in their everyday spending, and aims to provide efficiency-oriented local consumers with a faster and more convenient payment experience as well as exclusive merchant offers. Since we rolled out our Lucky Laisee giveaway campaign, nearly 500,000 vouchers have been distributed to our users. This year, PayMe will continue to enhance its functionality, encourage the use of e-wallets, and contribute to building a consumption ecosystem that comprehensively covers eating, shopping and playing – a great way to support local merchants and businesses."

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Back in January, PayMe unveiled its lucky laisee giveaway campaign with its mascot PayMeow, celebrating Chinese New Year with people in Hong Kong.PayMeow transformed into "Master Meow" and displayed on billboards in many outdoor advertising hotspots and bus shelters all over the city. The campaign is available until 18 February that, users who scan QR codes on billboards located at Ying Kong Mansion in Causeway Bay and Mong Kok Computer Centre in Mong Kok, as well as bus shelters across Hong Kong can draw a fortune stick, have chance to win a limited-edition NFT or a lucky laisee.

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