Frequently asked questions

• What is a contactless payment and how does it work?

  Contactless cards contain a microchip that emits short-range radio waves. When your contactless card gets close enough to a contactless-enabled payment terminal, your card transmits your payment information. The phrase “tap to pay” comes from the fact that your card needs to be held very close to the contactless terminal to make a payment. (Close enough to tap, in fact.)

• How do I know if I can tap to pay with my card?

  Simply look for the Contactless Symbol on a retailer’s credit card terminal.

   

• Do I actually have to tap my contactless card on the contactless-enabled terminal?

  No. However, the card should be close (within 1-2 inches) to the Contactless Symbol on the contactless-enabled terminal.

• How do I hold my contactless card to the contactless-enabled terminal?

  The terminal reads the card best when it is directly over the Contactless Symbol, versus at an angle.

• How long do I need to hold my contactless card to the contactless-enabled terminal?

  You should hold your card to the terminal for 1 – 2 seconds.

• Can I unknowingly make a purchase if I am in close proximity to a contactless-enabled terminal?

  No. Contactless technology requires the merchant to first initiate the payment, and the contactless card must be held in close proximity (1 - 2 inches) to the terminal for a transaction to take place.