Are Tesco contactless payments still down? Issue explained

WHEN contactless payment systems go down, shoppers can be left at the checkout without a means to pay.

Tesco’s contactless payment system went ‘down’ on February 3, and shoppers complained of huge queues and ‘absolute carnage’.

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

What happens when contactless is down?

All types of the supposedly easier way of paying – including Apple Pay – do not normally work at the checkout.

It means that unless you are carrying cash or your physical credit or debit card, you won’t be able to pay for your shop.

Reports of an outage at Tesco flooded Down Detector at around 1pm on February 3.

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

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

One said: “If you are shopping in Tesco today be aware that they can not take contactless payment, actual card or cash only!”

Another commented: “Every time I come to @Tesco#walsall there’s some issue.

“The escalator isn’t working, the lift isn’t working, I get scan and shop checked 7/10 times, their contactless system is down & I don’t have card with me… I’m so done with this place.”

A third tweeted: “Silverburn Tesco queued out the door with people waiting for the self service.

“Contactless payment isn’t working, it’s absolute carnage.”

And it’s not the first time shoppers have experienced issues with contactless payments at Tesco.

Back in October the supermarket had the same outage.

Can I still pay for my shop with my card?

If the contactless payment system is down, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t make a card payment.

Instead, you’ll need to pay for your shop by chip and pin.

You must insert your payment card at checkout and enter your pin number.

But if you don’t know your pin number, you’ll only be left with the option of paying with cash.

If both contactless and card payment services are down you’ll also only be able to pay for your shop with cash.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk