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Cash versus contactless mobile payment: The effect of payment modes on donation behaviors

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  • Jingping Li
  • Fang Liu
  • Yohanes E. Riyanto

Abstract

We examined the effect of different payment methods on charitable donations through a lab experiment. Participants participated in a real donation scenario where they could choose between cash or contactless mobile payments. The results indicate that contactless mobile payment led to higher donation amounts compared to cash. We suggest that the greater familiarity with the payment mode plays a significant role in increasing donation, particularly as the widespread use of contactless payments during pandemic lockdowns likely made people more comfortable with mobile payments, resulting in more generous donations.

Suggested Citation

  • Jingping Li & Fang Liu & Yohanes E. Riyanto, 2026. "Cash versus contactless mobile payment: The effect of payment modes on donation behaviors," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 64(2), pages 454-467, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecinqu:v:64:y:2026:i:2:p:454-467
    DOI: 10.1111/ecin.70047
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    References listed on IDEAS

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