The use of cards is so entrenched in the habits of the population that a serious disruption that affects the entire card system, or large parts of the system, would have serious consequences for the ability of people to make payments. If card payments do not work, then the entire payment system will be disrupted.
The Bank’s responsibility for a safe and efficient payment system therefore means that we also have an interest in ensuring that card payments work safely and efficiently. The popularity of cards is that such a means of payment is perceived as being convenient. People who prefer cards attribute it to the fact that they do not like to walk around with cash.