Long queues formed at Asda check-outs after customers across the UK were unable to pay with their cards.

Shoppers described the technical issue as a "fiasco", and said it had led to "chaos" at supermarkets.

The company said all of its 626 UK stores were affected "at one point or another" during the day by the problem with its card payment system.

Image: A worker in Grantham, Lincolnshire, resorts to older equipment to process a card payment. Pic: Andy Swiffen

A spokesman said: "We are in the process of resolving a technical issue with our card payment system in stores.

"We're continuing to process payments as quickly as we can but apologise to our customers for the inconvenience this has caused."


@AsdaServiceTeam Hi had to use voucher in asda today they couldnt tell me how long to process payment..was a fiasco tbh how long pls? — si (@si20100) October 30, 2016

A statement later said the majority of its stores were "working normally again".

Asda had earlier tweeted: "We're aware of an issue with our store's accepting card payments & are working to fix it asap, we're sorry for any inconvenience caused."

There were reports that some Asda stores, including one at Reading in Berkshire, had been closed.

Asda aberdare is CASH ONLY today. Problem with the card readers. If your going shopping there make sure you have the cash before shopping — Claire Williams (@ClaireWilliam10) October 30, 2016

Twitter user Si20100 messaged the company saying: "Hi had to use voucher in asda today they couldnt tell me how long to process payment..was a fiasco tbh how long pls?"

Another shopper, writing on Twitter as Charstuart97, said the Asda store in Reading had been closed and posted a picture from inside her car where she said she could not leave the car park due to queues of vehicles.

Shops been shut and can't even leave .. brill pic.twitter.com/XJcill2I5m — Charlotte Stuart (@charstuart97) October 30, 2016

Twitter user Nateeatschicken wrote: "There is mass confusion at the Scan & Go area. Stood there for 30-40 mins only to be told it is cash only."

ClaireWilliam10 tweeted: "Asda aberdare is CASH ONLY today. Problem with the card readers. If your going shopping there make sure you have the cash before shopping."

And DaveCthetrucker wrote: "How much has @asda lost today then? Went into my local, it was CHAOS, went to Morrisons."