Contactless Visa Credit Card FAQ
What is a contactless credit card?
How do contactless payments work?
How do I know if my BECU Visa is a contactless card?
Do I have to actually tap my card on the checkout terminal?
How should I hold my card to the checkout terminal?
How long do I need to hold my card to the checkout terminal?
What are the benefits of contactless payments?
Is this technology similar to mobile wallets, like Apple Pay?
Where can I pay with a contactless card or payment-enabled device?
How do I know where to tap my card?
Can I use my contactless Visa card even if I don't see the Contactless Symbol on the terminal?
Can I use my contactless Visa card outside the U.S.?
What is a contactless credit card?
A contactless card has a chip that uses a near field communication (NFC) antenna to enable close-range payments. Your payment is processed when you tap your contactless card near the Contactless Symbol on a checkout terminal that supports contactless payments.
How do contactless payments work?
You tap your card to pay instead of inserting it or swiping it at the checkout terminal. Contactless payments are securely completed using short-range wireless technology between a contactless card or payment-enabled device and a checkout terminal that supports contactless payments.
Do I have to actually tap my card on the checkout terminal?
No. You don't have to physically tap the card to the terminal. But your card should be close (within 1-2 inches) to the Contactless Symbol.
How should I hold my card to the checkout terminal?
The checkout terminal reads the antenna best when the contactless card is flat over the Contactless Symbol, not at an angle.
How long do I need to hold my card to the checkout terminal?
You should hold your contactless card to the terminal for 1-2 seconds.
What are the benefits of contactless payments?
Contactless payments are fast, easy and convenient to use in places where you're paying on the go. Each contactless card transaction is accompanied by a one-time code that protects the payment information - just like transactions made with a chip card, which means contactless payments are secure. And unlike cash, contactless payments make it easy to keep records of your purchases. You can still do everything you would do with any other Visa card, like adding a tip, getting cash back (if available), and more.
Is this technology similar to mobile wallets, like Apple Pay?
Yes. Contactless payments use the same NFC (Near Field Communication) technology as mobile wallets, like Apple Pay and Android Pay.
Where can I pay with a contactless card or payment-enabled device?
You can tap to pay wherever you see the Contactless Symbol at checkout. Millions of merchants around the world accept contactless payments, including fast food restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, and more.
How do I know where to tap my card?
The symbol on the checkout terminal shows you where to tap your contactless card to make a contactless payment.
Tap your card where you see this Contactless Symbol:
Can I use my contactless Visa card even if I don't see the Contactless Symbol on the terminal?
Yes. If you don't see the Contactless Symbol, you can still insert your contactless card at an EMV checkout terminal, or swipe your card at a magnetic stripe terminal.
Can I use my contactless Visa card outside the U.S.?
Yes. You can use your contactless Visa card where Visa is accepted by tapping it at a checkout terminal where you see the Contactless Symbol, inserting the card into an EMV chip terminal, or swiping it in a magnetic stripe terminal. Many countries have adopted contactless payments.
Contactless Card Security
Are contactless Visa cards safe?
Yes. Contactless Visa cards are safe because:
- Each transaction is accompanied by a one-time code that securely protects your payment information, just like with a chip card.
- You can't pay by accident. Your card or device must be within 1-2 inches of the checkout terminal for the transaction to occur (and you won't be billed twice, even if you accidentally tap twice).