The contactless credit card symbol looks like a sideways Wi-Fi signal or four curved, radiating lines, usually found on the front or back of the card, indicating it uses Near Field Communication (NFC) for tap-to-pay transactions. You'll also see the same symbol on payment terminals to show they accept contactless payments, allowing you to tap your card near the symbol to pay quickly.
What does the WiFi symbol on my card mean? The Wi-Fi-looking symbol on a debit or credit card is the EMVCo Contactless Indicator*.
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.
All contactless cards contain the Wi-Fi symbol either on the front of the card, under the bank name or card type (Visa, Master, etc.), or on the flip side, near the magnetic strip. The contactless symbol is represented by four curved lines, increasing in size as they move from left to right.
Visa payWave, Mastercard Contactless, and American Express Expresspay are examples of contactless credit cards which have become widespread in the US and UK.
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 make a contactless payment by tapping the part of your card with the contactless indicator on or near the part of the merchant's card reader or point-of-sale device emblazoned with the contactless symbol. With a mobile wallet, you simply open the wallet app and tap the phone as you would the card.
Understanding contactless cards
There is no need to swipe or insert. This type of transaction—often called “tap to pay” or “tap and go”—can be a quick and convenient way to pay. Not all credit cards are contactless, although most card issuers have made them the default type of card they issue.
The interlocking red and yellow circles, known as the Mastercard Symbol, can now stand on its own. As the consumer and commerce landscape continues to evolve, the Mastercard Symbol is a modern and flexible brand design optimized to work seamlessly across the digital landscape.
Check if your card is “Tap to pay” ready
Contactless is an additional feature on your debit card or credit card that provides you with another choice to pay at point of sale.
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.
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 contactless symbol is four vertical, curved lines that get bigger from left to right—like the Wi-Fi symbol turned on its side.
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).
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. Hold your card close to the reader - around two to four centimetres - for it to work.
How Do I Know if my Card is Contactless Enabled? Look for the Contactless Symbol on the front of the card. It looks a lot like the symbol for a Wi-Fi signal. Honor's debit and credit cards issued on or after October 1st, 2023, are enabled with contactless technology and will display the contactless symbol.
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.
Because contactless payments require neither PIN nor signature authorisation, lost or stolen contactless cards can be used to make fraudulent transactions.
The first six to eight digits reveal the credit card network and the card's industry. The first digit in any credit card number tells you what type of card it is—Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or Amex. Card numbers of each type always start with the same number: 3: American Express or cards under the Amex umbrella.
If you see the small wave-like symbol on your card or at checkout, you're good to go. Contactless cards use short-range technology to make everyday purchases faster and easier. If you enjoy the ease of Apple Pay or Google Pay, a contactless card gives you that same tap-to-pay convenience — no phone required.