How does Wi-Fi work on a credit card?

Asked by: Annabelle Durgan  |  Last update: December 10, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (41 votes)

Technically, that Wi-Fi symbol is called the EMVCo Contactless Indicator. If your credit card has the Wi-Fi symbol, then you're eligible to pay for purchases just by tapping your card on compatible payment terminals.

How does Wi-Fi work in a credit card?

You can make a contactless payment at any terminal or point of sale machine where the contactless symbol (wifi symbol) appears. At all other terminals, you will have to either swipe or dip your card and enter your PIN to complete your transaction.

What are the disadvantages of contactless credit cards?

Disadvantages of contactless credit cards
  • Transaction limit: Contactless payments may have a transaction limit, which can vary. ...
  • Accidental charges: Some people worry about accidentally making payments if they walk near a payment terminal or if there are multiple contactless cards within a close proximity of each other.

What does the Wi-Fi symbol on a credit card mean?

Look at your card

The four curved lines on the front-right of your card, which looks like the Wi-Fi symbol turned on its side, indicate that you can tap to pay anywhere you see the contactless symbol.

How many times can you use a contactless card in a day?

There isn't a daily limit for contactless payments. However, from time to time, when you shop using contactless payments, you'll need to put your card into the machine and enter your PIN to verify it's you, before you can use contactless again.

How does contactless work? ScotiaCard Mastercard Debit

44 related questions found

Do contactless cards require a PIN?

For all contactless transactions up to ₹ 5000 PIN is not required. For all the transactions above ₹ 5000, you may choose to dip/tap the card followed by mandatory PIN entry.

What's the maximum you can spend on contactless?

What's my spending limit? While the contactless card limit is £100, you can now make payments over £100 using your mobile phone, providing your bank and the merchant in question authorises them. It's more secure than carrying cash, and quicker than Chip and PIN.

Is tapping a credit card safer than swiping?

That's because of how contactless technology works. Unlike the traditional card “swipe” method, each contactless transaction uses a one-time code that protects your payment information, such as your name, credit card number and security code, so a fraudster can't access it.

Which side of the card do you tap?

If your Visa card features the Contactless Indicator on either the front or back, you can use it to tap to pay where you see the Contactless Symbol at many of your favorite stores.

Do banks charge for contactless payments?

No Charges for Contactless Transactions | NatWest Support Centre.

Is contactless safer than chip and pin?

Are contactless cards safer than chip cards? Contactless credit cards can also be EMV chip cards. However, contactless payments tend to be safer since the credit or debit card itself never makes contact with the payment terminal.

Can I use my card without Wi-Fi?

Yes, some NFC payments work without internet:

Some contactless cards: Some contactless debit and credit cards may also allow for offline transactions within a certain limit. This functionality is determined by the card issuer and merchant's payment system.

What is the symbol for contactless payment?

How to tell if a card is contactless. Simply look for the wave-like symbol that resembles a Wi-Fi symbol on the front of your card.

Do credit cards need Wi-Fi?

Your customers' payments will process through the internet, but the card reader itself doesn't need WiFi to operate. You can use a mobile network, wired internet connection, or WiFi to use a card reader.

Can your card info be stolen using tap to pay?

The risk of fraud occurring during a tap-and-pay transaction is minimal. Some people purchase RFID-blocking wallets to protect their cards, but the Identity Theft Resource Center states that this is an unnecessary — and often expensive — precaution.

Is there a limit on credit card tapping?

You can tap your card at most retailers, including coffee shops, grocery stores, restaurants and gas stations for any purchase up to $250.

Do you need a PIN when swiping a credit card?

You won't need a PIN for most credit card transactions, but it may be a good idea to have one anyway. You'll need it for cash advances from automated teller machines (ATMs) or certain purchases outside the United States.

Who accepts tap to pay?

Millions, in fact. It works in select supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, clothing stores, gas stations, beauty shops, and other retailers that accept mobile payments.

What does the Wi-Fi symbol on my credit card mean?

Technically, that Wi-Fi symbol is called the EMVCo Contactless Indicator. If your credit card has the Wi-Fi symbol, then you're eligible to pay for purchases just by tapping your card on compatible payment terminals.

Is a PIN required for a contactless card?

Ans: A Contactless card is a faster way to pay with your credit or debit card for purchases under Rs. 2000/- at participating stores. Instead of dipping (or swiping) your card at the billing counter, simply wave or tap your card on the contactless terminal and pay without entering a PIN (for amount under Rs. 2000/-).

What are the risks of contactless cards?

During wireless communication between your contactless card and the card reader, sophisticated criminals can intercept and capture the transmitted data. This puts your sensitive information at risk of being used for fraudulent activities.

Can I use my phone for contactless payment?

Tap to Pay is our quick and easy feature that allows you to make contactless payments with just a tap of your Android phone. It uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology for secure and instant transactions, so you can say goodbye to carrying cash or cards.

How to use a contactless card for the first time?

Hold your card within 1–2 inches of the Contactless SymbolOpens Dialog on the terminal. Tap or hold your card flat over the Contactless Symbol, facing up, when prompted by the cashier or terminal. Some merchants may ask you to sign for the purchase, or to enter your PIN. Your payment should be completed in seconds.