CONTACTLESS: A convenient way to pay

What is contactless? What are the benefits of contactless? Contactless technology is another way that your card Contactless may make paying a faster or can process, reducing the time you have to spend communicate with a queuing. At the same time contactless retailer’s payments have the same convenience as terminal. Contactless standard chip-and-PIN card payments. payment is a feature that is being included with an The speed and ease of contactless further increasing number of debit, facilitates the use of electronic payments. In credit and prepaid cards. Some mobile the case of low-value payment transactions, phones can also be configured for contactless may make the need for carrying contactless payments. Mobile phones may small change or buying prepaid tickets for host the details of several contactless cards a thing of the past. in a virtual “wallet”, allowing you to select your preferred card prior to making a How do I know if I have payment. “contactless” on my card or

The underlying technology, commonly mobile phone? referred to as near field communication A card that has contactless functionality looks (NFC), enables the contactless use of a card much the same as a standard chip-and-PIN or mobile phone. During a contactless card, but the design will incorporate one or transaction, information is exchanged and more “contactless” logos. Contactless cards transmitted via a radio signal between the will typically feature the following trademark, card or mobile phone and the payment referred to as the Contactless Indicator: terminal.

Contactless cards and mobile phones enable The Contactless Indicator is the payment transaction to take place by a trademark owned by, and used simply holding the card or mobile phone near with permission of, EMVCo, LLC. a dedicated spot on a retailer’s point of sale terminal. The terminal will light or beep to let the consumer know that the payment has The contactless functionality can be an been completed. However, from time to time integral feature of a payment card or mobile a security check might be prompted. This phone, or be issued on a separate card or periodic check is intended to ensure that it is mobile phone, but it must always be linked to you, the authorised user, who is making the a payment account (e.g. a credit or payment with the contactless card or mobile account). If you wish to use the contactless 1 phone. functionality, your payment service provider should be able to provide you with details about how it works.

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Where can I use contactless? European legislation limits a consumer’s liability to €150 for fraudulent or unwanted Contactless technology has already been payments, and there are plans for this introduced in a number of European amount to be reduced by the end of January countries, where it is available at various 2018. National legislation may even afford retailers, vending machines, parking meters, better protection for the consumer. public transport systems, etc. Simply look for Furthermore, payment service providers may the following trademark, referred to as the offer their customers greater or full protection Contactless Symbol: against liability for fraud.

Duplication of payments at retailers’ terminals The Contactless Symbol is is highly unlikely to occur, as the terminal has a trademark owned by, and used with permission of, EMVCo, LLC. to be prepared for each and every transaction, either by The Contactless Symbol indicates the spot on a retailer’s cashier or the point of sale terminal near which you by you at an should hold your card or mobile phone. unattended terminal. There is also only a minimal risk of initiating What makes contactless secure? an unwanted contactless payment at a retailer’s terminal, since the card or mobile Contactless card payments benefit from the phone needs to be held within a few same range of features found on a standard centimetres of the relevant terminal. chip-and-PIN card, and transactions are processed through the same secure Other information networks. Mobile contactless payments also benefit from similar security features. . If you suspect fraud or experience any anomalies or issues, do not hesitate to For added security, your payment service contact your payment service provider provider sets a limit, which they should inform immediately. They will provide you with the you about, on how much you can spend necessary information, including the without having to provide a PIN, mobile code maximum amount you will be liable for in or fingerprint for verification. For transactions the event of fraudulent or unwanted going above the limit, you will be asked to payments and how to claim enter a PIN or a mobile code, or use the reimbursement. Ask your payment service fingerprint reader on your mobile phone. provider about the amount limit for Although low-value payments with contactless transactions. contactless cards do not normally require a PIN, after a certain number of transactions . You can always ask your payment service you might nevertheless be prompted to enter provider to provide you with a payment your PIN on the point of sale terminal to card without contactless functionality. You check your identity and prevent fraud. also have the option to activate and deactivate the contactless functionality on Along with these precautions, you should your mobile phone at any time. Whatever always take reasonable steps to keep your you decide, using contactless payments PIN or mobile code and any other security remains your . information secure. If your card or mobile phone is lost or stolen, you are strongly recommended to report it to your payment service provider (e.g. bank or card issuer) as quickly as possible.

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