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The Benefits of Tap to Pay: Convenience and Security, Built In

By Empower FCU

A simple tap is now all it takes to pay for a purchase. This tap-to-pay method is not only fast but also secure, reducing the risk of your credit or debit card falling into the wrong hands.

As tap-to-pay technology has evolved, millions of businesses now accept contactless card payments. But how does tap-to-pay benefit you? Let’s explore how tap-to-pay works, delve into contactless payment security, and learn more about where you can use your tap-to-pay credit union card.  


What Is Tap to Pay?

 

Tap to pay is a secure, contactless way to pay for goods and services. When you arrive at checkout, you can simply hold your card over the merchant’s payment terminal or mobile device — no need to swipe or insert your card.

Using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, the payment information on your bank card is then encrypted and transmitted to the payment device. Whether you are grabbing lunch at the deli or updating your wardrobe, contactless card payments like this make your everyday transactions quicker, simpler, and more secure.


Why Contactless Payments Are More Convenient

 

Also known as tap-and-go, contactless card payments are known for being fast. Whether you use a tap-to-pay debit or credit card or a digital wallet, contactless payments are processed instantly. No counting out cash, entering a PIN, or inserting a card and waiting for authorization. This gets you in and out of the checkout line faster.

Using a digital wallet offers even more convenience. Mobile wallets like Apple Pay® and Google Pay® let you securely store multiple cards. And these digital wallets can be accessed via a smartphone or smartwatch, meaning you don’t even have to physically carry your credit or debit card.


Built-In Security: How Tap to Pay Helps Protect Members

 

There are several layers of contactless payment security that help prevent your information from falling into the wrong hands. Here are the key tech features tap-to-pay uses to secure your data.

  • NFC: A special type of two-way RFID signal that allows a mobile payment device to communicate with your contactless card or digital wallet.
  • Tokenization: When you tap, your card information is converted into a unique, one-time, random string of characters called a token. This token is what is sent to the payment device.
  • EMV chip technology: The chip and antenna embedded in your card are what allow for secure contactless payments.
  • Biometric authentication: Fingerprint scanning and facial recognition are commonly used to secure digital wallets and devices that support them.

Preventing Fraud with Contactless Payments

 

So, how do the security elements of tap-to-pay technology actually protect you? Well, all of these components work together, providing you with:   

  • Protection against skimming: Payment data is secure from card skimmers and shimmers (devices used to capture EMV chip information).
  • Physical security: Your tap-to-pay credit union card remains in your possession at all times, preventing unauthorized copying or recording of card details.
  • Data breach mitigation: Since card information is not stored, it is not susceptible to theft during merchant data breaches.
  • Debit and credit card fraud protection: The one-time-use payment feature inherently limits opportunities for fraud.
  • Enhanced digital wallet security: Access to viewing and editing your payment information can be protected with biometrics (fingerprints and facial ID), passwords, PINs, and multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Tap to Pay and Mobile Wallets

 

Tap to pay can be used in two ways: with a tap-to-pay-enabled card or a digital wallet. A mobile wallet is a type of digital wallet accessed through an app on your smartphone or smartwatch. These mobile apps can securely store information from

  • Tap to pay debit cards
  • Tap to pay credit cards
  • Bank account details (for direct transfers)
  • Digital accounts like PayPal and Zelle
  • Gift cards and prepaid cards
  • Loyalty/rewards cards

When you tap to pay using a mobile wallet, the digital wallet initiates the contactless transaction, and the charge is applied to your card. These mobile wallets can be used for contactless transactions wherever tap-to-pay cards are accepted.  

Instead of a payment terminal, some businesses may accept mobile wallet payments using a QR code. When you scan this code with your device’s camera, you’ll be redirected to a secure online payment portal where you can check out using your digital wallet.


Types of Digital Wallets

 

There's a wide variety of mobile wallets available. Some popular mobile wallet options include:

  • Apple Pay®
  • Google Pay®
  • Samsung Wallet®
  • PayPal®
  • Venmo®
  • Cash App®

Some large retailers have their own wallets used exclusively for purchases on their websites. For instance, both Walmart® and Amazon® have this type of closed wallet system.

Before choosing a mobile wallet, you’ll want to verify that it supports your card and is compatible with your devices.  


Where and How Members Can Use Tap to Pay

 

As a member of Empower FCU, your debit and credit cards already feature tap-to-pay technology. This means you can use your card anywhere that contactless payments are accepted, including:

  • Grocery store
  • Pharmacy
  • Gas station
  • Clothing store
  • Coffee shop
  • Hardware store
  • Fast food restaurant
  • Public transport
  • Vending machines
  • And millions of other locations worldwide

To see if a vendor accepts contactless payments, look for the NFC symbol on the payment device. This symbol resembles a Wi-Fi symbol turned on its side.

Your contactless card issues from Empower FCU also comes mobile wallet-ready. When you add your tap-to-pay credit union card to a digital wallet, you’ll also be able to quickly and securely pay anywhere contactless payments are accepted, as well as online. Paying online with a digital wallet uses the same secure, contactless payment processing as tap-to-pay.


Secure card payments with Empower FCU

 

Contactless payments are now accepted almost everywhere. The security, convenience, and speed make them the preferred choice by both vendors and their customers. All of Empower FCU’s debit and credit cards now come with tap-to-pay technology and are mobile wallet-ready.

Ready to get started? Learn more about using your card.