Contactless FAQ
What are contactless payments?
Contactless payments are transactions made by tapping either a contactless chip card or payment-enabled mobile or wearable device over a contactless-enabled payment terminal. Cards, phones, watches and other devices use the same contactless technology. When you tap to pay, checkout is secure, convenient and touch-free.
FAQ
What is the technology behind tapping to pay?
Tapping to pay uses short-range wireless technology to make secure payments between a contactless chip card or payment-enabled mobile/wearable device and a contactless-enabled checkout terminal. When you tap your card or device near the Contactless Symbol, your payment is sent for authorization.
What does the 
and 
mean?
The EMVCo Contactless Indicator* indicates acceptance. When featured on a card, it means the card can be used to tap to pay. When featured on a checkout terminal or on store signage, it means a merchant accepts tapping to pay.
The EMVCo Contactless Symbol* indicates where you tap your contactless chip card or payment-enabled mobile/wearable device on the checkout terminal to make a payment.
How do I know if my card or device can make contactless payments?
You'll see the Contactless Indicator on your card. For your phone or other payment-enabled wearable device, please see Visa + Apple Pay, Visa + Google Pay and Visa + Samsung Pay.
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* . It indicates that your card can be used to tap to pay on a contactless-enabled payment terminal.
What does the RFID symbol on my card mean?
The RFID-looking symbol on a debit or credit card is the EMVCo Contactless Indicator* . It indicates that your card can be used to tap to pay on a contactless-enabled payment terminal.
How close does my contactless chip card or payment-enabled mobile/wearable device need to be to the contactless checkout terminal?
Your contactless chip card or payment-enabled mobile/wearable device just needs to be within 1 to 2 inches of the Contactless Symbol to initiate a payment.
How long do I need to tap my contactless chip card or payment-enabled mobile/wearable device on the checkout terminal?
One to two seconds should do it.
Do I actually have to tap my contactless chip card or payment-enabled mobile/wearable device on the checkout terminal?
No, actual tapping is not necessary.
How do I tap my contactless chip card or payment-enabled mobile/wearable device at the checkout terminal?
It works best when your contactless chip card or payment-enabled mobile/wearable device is held flat over the Contactless Symbol , versus held at an angle.
When exactly do I tap to pay?
Once you are prompted to pay (by the cashier, a light on the checkout terminal, etc.), place your contactless chip card or payment-enabled mobile/wearable device within 1 to 2 inches of the Contactless Symbol on the terminal and follow the prompts.
What’s so great about tapping to pay with Visa?
Tapping to pay with a Visa contactless chip card or payment-enabled mobile/wearable device is secure , convenient and touch-free – perfect for places like fast-food restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, vending machines, taxis and more. Just look for the Contactless Symbol at checkout. Tapping to pay is secure because each transaction is accompanied by a one-time code, just like contact EMV. Unlike cash, tapping to pay provides an electronic record of your purchases and gives you all the great functionality and convenience of a Visa card.
How does this technology compare to Apple Pay?
Contactless payments, including Visa contactless chip cards, Google Pay and Apple Pay, use the same NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. Samsung Pay, however, works with both NFC technology and MST (Magnetic Secure Transition) technology, which can be used anywhere you can swipe.
Where can I tap to pay?
You can tap to pay where you see the Contactless Symbol on a checkout terminal. Millions of places around the world accept contactless payments, including fast-food restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, retail pharmacies, vending machines, taxis and more.
Can I still swipe or insert my Visa contactless card even if I don’t see the Contactless Symbol at the checkout terminal?
Yes. If you don’t see the Contactless Symbol on the checkout terminal, you can still swipe or insert your contactless chip card, just like any other Visa card.
Can I use my Visa contactless chip card or payment-enabled mobile/wearable device to tap to pay outside the U.S.?
Yes. You can tap to pay at millions of places around the world, wherever you see the Contactless Symbol. In countries like Australia, Canada, the UK and France, over half of retailers currently accept contactless payments. If tapping to pay is not available at a location, you can simply swipe or insert your Visa contactless chip card at checkout.
Is tapping to pay secure?
Yes. Here’s why:
- Each Visa contactless chip card carries the same trusted security as a Visa contact chip card.
- The one-time code generated every time a contactless chip card or payment-enabled mobile/wearable device is used at an in-store contactless-enabled terminal protects your payment information, making it extremely effective in reducing counterfeit fraud.
- You can’t pay accidentally—your contactless chip card or payment-enabled mobile/wearable device must be within 2 inches of the terminal for the transaction to take place. And you won’t be billed twice, even if you accidentally tap twice.
- Tapping to pay with your Visa contactless chip card or payment-enabled mobile/wearable device helps you avoid touching surfaces at checkout.
What information is transmitted from my contactless chip card or payment-enabled mobile/wearable device when I tap to pay?
The contactless chip card or payment-enabled mobile/wearable device securely transmits information including the account number, expiration date, and a one-time code that changes for every in-person transaction. The code is different than the code encoded on the magnetic stripe of a Visa card.
I heard people can “skim” information from a contactless chip card. What does that mean?
Visa contactless chip transactions generate a one-time, transaction-specific code. Due to the nature of the code and additional fraud protection processes built into the Visa network, it is difficult to use skimmed cardholder information for fraudulent purchases. As a result, fraud from skimming is very unlikely and limited in scope. You can also rest assured that Visa cards offer protection from any unauthorized use with Visa’s Zero Liability Policy.
Can I unknowingly make a purchase if I am in close proximity to a contactless-enabled payment terminal?
No. The technology behind tapping to pay requires the merchant to initiate the payment. Next, the contactless chip card or payment-enabled mobile/wearable device must be tapped or held within 2 inches of the contactless-enabled terminal in order for a transaction to take place.
Can I be charged twice if I have more than one contactless chip card in my wallet?
No. Contactless-enabled checkout terminals will only communicate with one card at a time. If you have more than one contactless chip card in your wallet, you should tap the individual card you want to use, rather than tap you whole wallet.
What do I do if my Visa card has been lost or stolen?
If your Visa card is lost or stolen, or you believe there has been unauthorized activity on your account, contact LGE immediately.