Yes, you need a card equipped with near-field communication (NFC) technology, identified by a contactless symbol (resembling a sideways Wi-Fi icon) on the front or back. Most modern credit and debit cards are issued this way by default. If your card lacks this symbol, you can use a digital wallet on your phone.
Contactless payment (or tap to pay) systems are credit cards and debit cards, key fobs, smart cards, or other devices, including smartphones and other mobile devices, that use radio-frequency identification (RFID) or near-field communication (NFC) for making secure payments.
All you need to do is hold your contactless card over the reader to pay. The first time you use your contactless card, you'll need to use chip and PIN or sign for your purchase. Once you've done that, all future transactions can be contactless.
To determine if your credit card is contactless, look for the contactless symbol on either the front or back of the card. This symbol has four curved lines resembling radio waves. If you're still unsure, you can test it at a contactless payment terminal the next time you make a purchase.
If your contactless payment fails, it could be due to insufficient funds or exceeding your daily transaction limit. Many cards have a maximum limit for contactless payments, and if you've reached that, the card won't process any more tap payments until the limit resets or you use a chip and PIN.
If your mobile device is compatible: Ensure contactless setting is enabled in the card issuing bank's application. On your mobile device, go to “Settings.” If NFC isn't already turned on your device, make sure to turn it on.
Because contactless payments require neither PIN nor signature authorisation, lost or stolen contactless cards can be used to make fraudulent transactions.
To check whether your credit or debit card is contactless, look out for the symbol on the card. It's four lines, curved and increasing in size from left to right, on the front or back of your card. You might notice it's similar to the Wi-Fi symbol.
You have two ways to pay contactless in a shop: Unlock your phone and hold it near the reader: You can tap the terminal when your phone is unlocked, even when the Google Wallet app is not open. If prompted, use your Android screen lock to verify the payment.
Tap to pay with Visa at more locations than ever. A simple and secure tap is all it takes to pay for the things you need. Visa contactless payments make it secure and convenient.
Activate your contactless card
When you get your new contactless card, you must use it for a Chip and PIN transaction or an ATM cash withdrawal before making a contactless purchase (so we know you've received your card). Once you've done that, you're ready to make contactless payments.
New and replacement cards
If you have a new or replacement contactless card, you might not be able to make a contactless payment until you've made your first chip and PIN transaction. This is a security measure applied by your card issuer. Also check the 'Valid From' date to ensure it's ready to be used.
Contactless means you don't need to faff with chip & PIN or cash; your card, phone or smart watch has a tiny chip that securely transmits payment details. Cards: Almost all new UK debit and credit cards are contactless. Smartphones: Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Wallet let you add your card to your device.
Yes, card info can potentially be stolen from tap-to-pay, mainly through methods like "ghost tapping," where criminals use hidden or disguised readers to capture data from a short distance, though it's generally safer than older methods, especially with mobile wallets using dynamic codes; however, vigilance is key, so monitor statements, use RFID-blocking sleeves, and turn off tap-to-pay when not needed.
Compared to existing credit and debit card technology, Tap to Pay is generally much safer to use. The RFID field is part of what makes contactless cards so secure.
No transaction fees apply to credit cards. For debit cards the transaction fee is waived on contactless transactions until further notice, additional charges may apply when using your card abroad.
How to activate your contactless card. You'll be able to use contactless after you've made your first Chip and PIN payment. That's when you put your card into a card machine and enter your PIN to pay for something.
You can check for NFC settings on your Samsung Android device by looking in the settings app > connections > tap NFC and contactless payments. If you see an option for NFC there, your device is enabled to make NFC payments.
Most banks send their customers contactless debit or credit cards by default. If you don't want a contactless card, your provider may let you opt-out, although some big banks and credit card providers don't.
The 2/3/4 rule is a guideline, primarily used by Bank of America, that limits how many new credit cards you can get: no more than 2 in 30 days, 3 in 12 months, and 4 in 24 months, helping to prevent over-application and manage hard inquiries on your credit report. While not universal, it's a useful benchmark for responsible card application, though other banks have different rules (like Chase's 5/24 rule).
Convenience. Make contactless payments by tapping your card at any one of the thousands of contactless terminals around the world – just look out for the contactless symbol, and the Visa Paywave or Mastercard PayPass symbol.