Contactless cards, also known as tap-to-pay, have become increasingly popular in the United States over the past 10 years but there are still people that may not be aware of what they are or how to use them.  

Simply put—contactless payment or tap-to-pay refers to a form of payment using a debit card, credit card, or a payment enabled mobile phone or smartwatch that processes without needing to insert a chip or swipe a card.  

This process uses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in addition to near-field communication (NFC) for contactless payment transactions.  

Benefits

• Secure Payment

Contactless card payments are more secure than magnetic stripe card payments and just as secure as chip payments. 

Each card has a contactless chip that creates a one-time code that changes with each transaction you make.  

This one-time code accompanies your account number when you “tap” to pay.  

Your other payment information (name, billing address and card verification code) is not transmitted using this method.  

By using tap-to-pay, you are guarding your card from skimming devices that are used by hackers to gain access to your payment information.  

• Quick, Easy Transactions

Contactless payment options are up to 10x faster than using cash or swiping/inserting your card at checkout! 

With contactless cards, you no longer need to worry about punching in your PIN on the point-of-sale terminal.  

Quicker transactions reduce checkout times and shorter lines, which is a benefit to both the business and the consumer. 

• Loyalty Rewards and Benefits

Many businesses will have their loyalty accounts and reward systems set up to automatically sync with the tap-to-pay method that can be used with your contactless card or mobile wallet.  

At Triangle Credit Union, we offer cashback at local and national merchants with our Purchase Rewards when you use the contactless feature during payment.  

How To Use

Using contactless cards or tap-to-pay with your mobile wallet is simple and easy:

1. Look for the contactless symbol on the point-of-sale or card reader (this is the same symbol used on your Triangle Credit Union contactless enabled debit or credit card)
2. Hold your card within 2 inches of the card reader when prompted
3. One you receive confirmation the payment was accepted (typically a check mark, green light or audible confirmation), that’s it!

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