Person using contactless card to make payment

Contactless Cards FAQ

When will I get my contactless card?

We are gradually rolling out our new contactless cards. When your current card expires, it will be replaced with a contactless card. If you visit a branch to receive an instant-issue card, these cards will now be the contactless cards.

Why should I use tap to pay?

Tapping to pay with a contactless chip card or payment-enabled mobile or wearable device is convenient, secure, and touch-free – perfect for places like fast-food restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, gas stations, vending machines, and more. Just look for the Contactless Symbol at checkout!

Is tapping to pay secure?

Yes. Each transaction generates a one-time code to protect your payment information. Tap to pay is extremely effective in reducing counterfeit fraud.

What technology enables tap to pay?

Tap to pay uses short-range wireless technology to make secure payments between a contactless chip card or payment-enabled 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 do the symbols mean?

The Contactless Indicator indicates acceptance of contactless payment. When this symbol is featured on a card, it means the card can be used for contactless payment, or tap to pay. When featured on a checkout terminal or on store signage, it means a merchant accepts tapping to pay.

The Contactless Symbol indicates where to tap your contactless chip card or payment-enabled device on the checkout terminal to make a payment.

How do I know if my card can make contactless payments?

You will see the Contactless Indicator on your card

How do I know if my device can make contactless payments?

You will need to add an eligible payment card to your payment-enabled mobile or wearable device’s digital wallet, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay.

How close does my contactless chip card or payment-enabled device need to be to the contactless checkout terminal?

Your contactless chip card or payment-enabled device must be within 2 inches of the Contactless Symbol to initiate a payment.

How do I tap my contactless chip card or payment-enabled device on the checkout terminal?

Tap to pay works best when your contactless chip card or payment-enabled device is held flat over the Contactless Symbol rather than held at an angle.

How long do I need to tap my contactless chip card or payment-enabled device on the checkout terminal?

Just 1 to 2 seconds!

Do I actually have to tap my contactless chip card or payment-enabled device on the checkout terminal?

No. Actual tapping is not necessary. You may simply hover your card or device within 2 inches of the Contactless Symbol on the terminal.

When do I tap to pay during the checkout process?

Once you are prompted to pay (by the cashier, a light on the checkout terminal, a message on the screen, etc.), you may place your contactless chip card or payment-enabled device within 2 inches of the Contactless Symbol on the terminal and follow the prompts.

Where can I tap to pay?

You can tap to pay anywhere you see the Contactless Symbol on a checkout terminal.

Can I still swipe or insert my contactless card if I don’t see the Contactless Symbol at the checkout terminal?

Yes. If you don’t see the Contactless Symbol at the checkout terminal, you can still swipe or insert your contactless chip card, just as you would with any other card.

What information is transmitted when I tap to pay?

Your contactless chip card or payment-enabled device securely transmits information including the account number, expiration date, and a one-time code that changes for every in-person transaction. The one-time code is different than the code encoded on the magnetic stripe of a debit or credit card.

Does tap to pay prevent card skimming?

Since contactless transactions generate a one-time, transaction-specific code, that makes it incredibly difficult and unlikely for cardholder information to be fraudulently obtained and used for future fraudulent purchases.

Is it possible to make a purchase accidentally if I get close to a contactless payment terminal?

No. You can’t pay accidentally. The technology used for tapping to pay requires the merchant to initiate the payment. Next, your contactless chip card or payment-enabled device must be held within 2 inches of the terminal in order for a transaction to take place.

Can I be charged twice if I have more than one contactless chip card?

No. Contactless-enabled checkout terminals 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 tapping your whole wallet at the terminal. If you are using a digital wallet through your payment-enabled mobile or wearable device, you will be able to select which card you wish to use for each transaction.

Can I be billed twice if I accidentally tap twice?

No. You won’t be billed twice even if you accidentally tap your contactless chip card or payment-enabled device twice during checkout.

Can I use my contactless chip card or payment-enabled device to tap to pay outside the U.S.?

Yes. Millions of places around the world accept contactless payments. If tapping to pay is not available at a location, you can simply swipe or insert your contactless chip card at checkout.

What do I do if my contactless card is lost or stolen?

If your card is lost or stolen, or you believe there has been unauthorized activity on your account, contact us to report it immediately. You can report your card as lost or stolen in Digital Banking. You are also able to turn your card off in our Robins Financial Cards App.