TAP TO PAY
Many retailers now allow you to tap your credit or debit card at the pay point rather than going through the cumbersome process of swiping and punching in your pin. Both your card and the card machine will display the contactless symbol if this method of payment is available.
HOW DO YOU DO IT?
Activate the function Not all cards – even the ones displaying the contactless symbol – can automatically be used for this function. You may have to activate it first by inserting your card at an ATM if you’re using the card for the first time. Certain banks allow you to activate it on their apps. At the pay point The cashier will enter the amount to be paid and activate the contactless payment, then you literally just tap your card on the card machine screen. Your card and the machine use technology called near field communication. As soon as you tap your card, the payment information is sent wirelessly.
Banks set limits on the amounts that may be paid by tapping without entering a PIN. As soon as the amount is more than R200, for example, you’ll be asked to enter your PIN after you’ve tapped. Good to know You can’t accidentally pay for the same transaction twice because the cashier has to activate the transaction before payment can proceed. A unique security code is generated for each contactless payment – the code can’t be reused to do a second payment with the same card. That’s also why you can’t make an accidental payment when you’re standing close to a contactless pay point.
If you prefer, the contactless function on Visa and MasterCard cards can be deactivated – just ask your bank to do it or check if you can do it in the app or on the bank’s website if you use online banking. Where can I use my contactless card? Anywhere in the world where the contactless symbol is displayed on the pay point.
It’s already in general use in shops, fast-food restaurants, petrol stations and pharmacies. FNB even has ATMs that can use this function. Advantage It’s faster than swiping your card or inserting it into a pay point. Disadvantage It’s like carrying cash with you. If someone steals