Nationwide is trialling ‘smart posters’ which enable the public to donate to homeless people when visiting the cash machine.

Made possible by embedded contactless technology, the pilot project is live in Bath, Somerset. The default payment is set at £3, but people can tap multiple times should they wish to give more.

The ‘Good Start Tap to Donate’ scheme, which is managed by local homeless charity Julian House, was developed with Nationwide and Bath Business Improvement District. All money raised will go towards the Julian House Good Start fund, which will help improve and eradicate homelessness in Bath and North East Somerset.

It was felt that putting the device next to the cash machine at the bank’s Union Street branch - an area where homeless people frequent - would maximise donations due to footfall and awareness.

During 2018, the number of contactless payments made in the UK increased by 31 per cent to 7.4 billion payments, according to UK Finance, while the amount of people carrying cash is in decline. Other charities and not-for-profit organisations, including The Big Issue, have also recently turned to contactless payments as a way of securing revenue.

Nationwide branch manager Stephanie Pritchard said: “At a time when many people don’t have spare change or may not wish to hand it directly to someone who is homeless, having a contactless point in the window of the branch has bridged the gap.

“This novel way of raising money for a fantastic cause is a great example of how technology is playing a role in helping society one tap at a time.”

Roanne Wootten, operations director for Julian House, added: “Tapping could fund welcome packs, which include toiletries and sanitary products in crisis accommodation, new bedding and essentials when moving into supported housing, a birth certificate, a passport or a driving licence.”

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