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[FCE] ‘It used to weigh me down’: UK readers on why they do or don’t carry a wallet | Consumer affairs | The Guardian

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In recent years, a notable shift has been observed in the UK regarding the use of traditional wallets. According to a recent study, although 80% of British adults still own a wallet, fewer than half—only 48%—carry one on a regular basis. This change highlights the growing influence of technology on daily habits and has sparked diverse opinions across different age groups and lifestyles.

The increasing popularity of digital payment systems, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, is a key factor behind this trend. These methods allow people to make payments using their smartphones or smartwatches, rendering physical wallets unnecessary for many, particularly younger individuals like Gen Z and millennials. For example, Alosh K Jose, a 31-year-old from Newcastle, abandoned his wallet after the Covid pandemic encouraged him to adopt contactless payments. He stores all his bank cards digitally on his phone and finds carrying a wallet cumbersome. Even after an incident where he was stranded on a train in Spain during a power outage with little cash, he remains confident in relying on digital solutions.

However, not everyone is eager to embrace a wallet-free lifestyle. Older generations, especially those over 44, often prefer the familiarity of physical debit or credit cards. Roger, a 69-year-old retiree from Buckinghamshire, always carries a wallet and a separate coin purse. He expresses concern about the security risks of storing everything on a smartphone, likening it to putting all his eggs in one basket. Similarly, Georgina, a 26-year-old from Leeds, goes against the trend among her peers by carrying a purse. She values the sense of control that physical items provide and dislikes being overly reliant on her phone.

Meanwhile, some people have found a middle ground. Sara Hayward, a 61-year-old artist from Worcester, has adapted by turning her phone case into a mini-wallet, where she keeps cards and personal mementos. While she uses her phone for many purposes, she still prefers the security of having physical cards over fully digital payments.

This evolving trend raises important questions about the future of money and how we manage it. As digital payments become more widespread, the use of cash and wallets may continue to decline. Yet, opinions remain divided on whether a fully digital world is desirable or safe.

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1. What is the main reason for the decline in the use of traditional wallets in the UK?

  • A. People are losing their wallets more often.
  • B. Digital payment systems are becoming more popular.
  • C. Wallets are considered too expensive to buy.
  • D. Younger generations prefer carrying cash.

2. How does Alosh K Jose feel about using digital payments?

  • A. He is worried about their security.
  • B. He finds them inconvenient.
  • C. He feels confident relying on them.
  • D. He plans to return to using a wallet.

3. Why does Roger prefer to carry a physical wallet?

  • A. He thinks digital payments are too complicated.
  • B. He is concerned about the security of smartphones.
  • C. He does not own a smartphone.
  • D. He finds wallets more fashionable.

4. What is unusual about Georgina’s attitude towards wallets?

  • A. She refuses to use any form of payment.
  • B. She carries a purse despite her age group’s trends.
  • C. She only uses digital payments.
  • D. She carries both a wallet and a phone case.

5. What does the phrase ‘putting all his eggs in one basket’ suggest about Roger’s opinion?

  • A. He thinks smartphones are useful for everything.
  • B. He believes it is risky to depend on one thing.
  • C. He feels wallets are more reliable than phones.
  • D. He prefers carrying multiple devices.