Visa: Four in five Hong Kongers expect to top up their HKD5,000 consumption vouchers to spend on desired goods and services

07/30/2021

• Almost two-thirds (64 percent) of respondents say they will use credit cards to top up the balance should the Hong Kong SAR Government’s e-consumption voucher not cover the full cost of spend
• Most are already mobile payment users, as only one-tenth of respondents are first-timers; one-fifth expect their mobile payment usage to increase post-Consumption Voucher Scheme

 

The latest study by Visa reveals that over 80% of Hong Kongers are willing to top up to spend for their desired goods or services with the e-consumption vouchers. Almost two-third (64 percent) of Hong Kongers turn to credit cards to top-up spending as rewards, convenience and security remain top of mind. 1

The latest YouGov study commissioned by Visa surveyed 1060 residents in Hong Kong to understand their attitudes and behaviours to the Consumption Voucher Scheme and e-payment adoption. The study found:

  • Around 80 percent will top up their e-consumption voucher, paying extra if the voucher does not cover the full price – of this group of consumers 64 percent will use their credit card to pay the remaining balance
  • Dining is the most popular category with more than two-thirds (68 percent) likely to spend their vouchers on eating out with family and friends. Almost as many respondents plan to spend on groceries and daily necessities (64 percent). Electronic goods and gadgets are the third most desired goods and services (43 percent)
  • Majority of people are already familiar users of mobile payments with only 7 percent of respondents new to this payment method. A fifth (18 percent) expect to use mobile payments more frequently as the result of the Consumption Voucher Scheme
  • Convenience (63 percent) is the main consideration when choosing a top-up method, followed by rewards (60 percent) and security (40 percent)
  • Limited acceptance of the consumption vouchers (22 percent) and theft of their cards or phone (21 percent) remain a concern for those signing up to the scheme

Maaike Steinebach, General Manager, Visa Hong Kong and Macau: “The strong appetite to use the e-consumption vouchers for larger ticket items will, no doubt, give a much needed boost to the retail, restaurant, and other service businesses. For Visa, this will not only benefit the city’s economic recovery, but help more small and medium-sized businesses adopt digital payments, that is fast, secure, and frictionless. It is what Hong Kong consumers want, and Visa is here to bridge that gap.”

Earlier this month, Visa announced a collaboration with WeChat Pay HK to support the disbursement and usage of consumption vouchers. Under the partnership, after registration through WeChat application, consumers can add their Visa credit cards or credentials to redeem extra e-cash vouchers, which can be used when they spend HK$300 or more.2

 

1 The research was commissioned by Visa and carried out by YouGov in July 2021. 1,060 respondents participated in the online study.

2 Terms and conditions apply.

 

About Visa Inc.

Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) is the world’s leader in digital payments. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, reliable and secure payment network - enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. Our advanced global processing network, VisaNet, provides secure and reliable payments around the world, and is capable of handling more than 65,000 transaction messages a second. The company’s relentless focus on innovation is a catalyst for the rapid growth of digital commerce on any device, for everyone, everywhere. As the world moves from analog to digital, Visa is applying our brand, products, people, network and scale to reshape the future of commerce. For more information, visit About Visa, visa.com/blog and @VisaNews.