Busker serenades London’s Soho Square but it’s contactless cards only, no cash accepted

Thursday 26th August, the chink of change was replaced by the tap of a card as passers-by used contactless technology to give money to the UK’s first ever cashless busker.

Accepting contactless cards only, not cash, busker Peter Buffery entertained crowds on his specially designed guitar – fully equipped with contactless technology for listeners to make a donation to charity using cards provided by Barclays and Barclaycard.

Situated outside EAT. in London’s Soho Square, Barclays and Barclaycard issued passers-by with pre-paid contactless cards. Each donation of £5 made from the cards through the payment system on the contactless guitar will go towards the goal of £2,500 to be donated to Help a London Child. What’s more, music lovers didn’t need to worry about contactless technology affecting the quality of sound coming from the guitar as the payment system was cleverly built into the head of the instrument.

No need for loose change

While Peter busked, listeners were able to simply hold their contactless cards over the head of the unique guitar to make their donation – with no scrabbling in pockets for change required.

Commenting on the activity Andy Harris, Head of Current Accounts at Barclays: “Today saw the UK’s first contactless busker play in London’s Soho Square and it’s been a great success. Not only in terms of how good the music’s been but it’s really demonstrated that there is an easier and quicker way for people to make everyday purchases. If a busker can go contactless then anyone can!”