The maximum limit for contactless credit and debit card payments in the UK has been increased from £10 to £15.
The change was made after a request from MasterCard and Visa and brings the UK more closely into line with the eurozone, where the limit is EUR25.
The move has been welcomed by Barclays, which has lead the contactless charge in the UK issuing two million Visa debit cards and four million credit cards. Since last March the firm's debit cards have been issued with contactless as standard.
Brian Cunnington, head, debit cards, Barclays, says: "Contactless technology is undoubtedly the future of payments and we are seeing it grow hugely in popularity."