Tap-to-pay debit and credit cards, also known as contactless cards, have recently revolutionized the way payments are made. With no more than a simple tap, you can now complete transactions swiftly and securely by eliminating the need to swipe or insert your card.
As contactless cards become more popular and widely available, many wonder if they’re safer than alternatives, such as EMV-enabled chip cards. While both options offer heightened security, tap-to-pay cards include an extra layer of convenience.
In this article, we’ll highlight the technology and security behind tap-to-pay cards and provide tips to keep your accounts safe when using contactless payments.
Understanding Tap-to-Pay Cards
Contactless cards offer a convenient and efficient alternative to their predecessors, EMV chip cards and traditional swipe cards. Tap-to-pay cards are embedded with a small chip and an antenna that communicate with compatible payment terminals via radio frequency identification (RFID) or near-field communication (NFC) technology.
When you tap or hold your card against the payment terminal, the necessary information is transmitted wirelessly to complete the transaction, allowing for quick and seamless payments. More and more financial institutions have started to transition to contactless cards, recognizing people’s desire for faster and more convenient payment methods.
How Tap-to-Pay Cards Work
Using tap-to-pay cards is remarkably simple! When you’re ready to check out, look for the contactless symbol on the payment terminal (typically depicted as four curved lines). Hold your card within a few inches of the symbol and wait for the transaction to be processed – it may even be as quick as the blink of an eye! In many cases, you won’t even need to enter a PIN or provide a signature, which further streamlines the payment process.
Contactless cards are compatible with a wide range of payment terminals, including those found at retail stores, grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and more. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee or filling up your car, you can enjoy the convenience of tap-to-pay at many of your daily stops.
This technology is also available with payment-enabled mobile or wearable devices, like digital wallets or other payment features on your smartphone or smartwatch. And if you’re checking out somewhere that doesn’t offer contactless-enabled payments, no worries! You can still swipe or insert your card to complete your transaction.
How Secure are Contactless Cards?
In addition to their convenience, contactless cards are equipped with state-of-the-art security features designed to better protect your financial information. Each transaction generates a unique encrypted code, or token, which is transmitted to the payment terminal. The token is worthless to any would-be hackers lurking, making it fundamentally impossible to intercept and duplicate your card information.
Tips for Staying Safe When Using Tap-to-Pay Cards
While contactless cards offer enhanced security, fraudsters are always lurking. Due to the state-of-the-art security features of tap-to-pay cards, the risk of fraud doesn’t typically take place at the transaction level. Instead, it happens through other means, such as data breaches out of your control, scams, or not keeping your cards safe.
The best way to prevent fraud is to manage your cards responsibly and monitor your transactions regularly. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Keep Your Card Secure: Treat your tap-to-pay card just like you would cash – store it in a secure wallet or cardholder and never leave it unattended.
- Monitor Your Transactions: Regularly review your account transactions for any unfamiliar or unauthorized charges. Report any discrepancies to your financial institution immediately.
- Create Transaction Alerts: Set up alerts to receive notifications of your card activity in real-time. This tactic will allow you to detect and respond to potential fraud quickly.
- Be Cautious: Keep up to date with common scams and never provide personal or account information to unsolicited emails, texts, or over the phone.
Protecting Yourself from Fraud & Theft
Despite the enhanced security measures provided by contactless payment methods, it’s essential to remain vigilant against potential scams and fraud tactics. If you suspect your card information has been compromised or your physical card has been lost or stolen, please contact us immediately to report it. Remember, timeliness is of the utmost importance when it comes to minimizing any potential losses.
We’re Here to Help!
Tap-to-pay cards and other contactless payment methods offer a secure and convenient way to make purchases in today’s fast-paced world. By understanding how they work and following best practices for safe usage, you can enjoy the benefits provided by tap-to-pay technology while protecting yourself from fraud and theft.
If you’d like to learn more about the measures that we take to keep you and your accounts safe every day, we’re here to help. Please stop by any of our convenient branch locations or call 618-457-3595 to speak with a team member today.