Survey: Canadians Split on Biometric Payments as Digital Transaction Methods Evolve

A new survey reveals Canadians are nearly evenly split on their acceptance of biometric payment methods, with 46 percent supporting and 45 percent opposing such technologies. The remaining 10 percent of respondents were undecided on the issue. This divide comes as Canada continues to develop its Pan-Canadian Trust Framework, which establishes standards for digital identity and authentication systems nationwide.

The nationwide survey, conducted in early January 2025, showed significant generational differences in attitudes toward biometric payments. Support was strongest among younger Canadians, with 54 percent of those aged 18-34 favoring the technology, compared to 48 percent of those aged 35-54 and 30 percent of those 55 and older.

Credit cards remain the dominant payment method in Canada, accounting for 37 percent of transactions, though this represents a three percent decrease since August 2023. Debit cards follow at 29 percent, while cash usage holds steady at 18 percent. Smartphone payments and e-transfers each account for seven percent of transactions, with cheques representing two percent. This shift aligns with broader initiatives by the Canadian government to modernize payment systems and implement digital credentials.

The survey also revealed widespread adoption of cashless payments for small purchases. Two-thirds of Canadians (67 percent) reported using cards for purchases under $10 when they didn’t have cash on hand. This behavior varied by region, with Ontario showing the highest rate at 70 percent and Atlantic Canada the lowest at 58 percent. The trend is supported by the Digital ID and Authentication Council of Canada (DIACC), which has been working to establish trusted processes for digital transactions.

Regarding future adoption of biometric payments, 21 percent of Canadians expect these technologies to become common within five years, while 30 percent anticipate a 10-year timeline. Both figures show slight decreases from previous survey results, potentially reflecting ongoing concerns about privacy and security in digital identity systems.

Source: Research Co.

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January 30, 2025 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team