How Does Tap-to-Pay Work? Your Guide to Contactless Payments

November 21, 2024

In a world that's becoming more cashless, tap-to-pay provides a way to make purchases without the need to swipe cards or handle cash. Whether you're grabbing a coffee or shopping online, contactless payments simplify how you spend money. 

Over 51% of Americans use some type of contactless payment method, such as tap-to-pay with credit and debit cards and mobile wallets like Apple Pay¹.[1] The rise of contactless payments shows that people want convenience. But how does tap-to-pay work, and is it safe to use? 

This guide will answer these questions and help you understand the benefits of this technology.

What Is Tap-to-Pay?

Tap-to-pay is a form of contactless payment that lets you pay by holding your card or device near a payment terminal. Instead of inserting a card or entering a PIN, you simply "tap" your payment method on the reader. It's fast, simple, and secure, often referred to as tap-and-go payments.

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Contactless Payments Explained

Contactless payments use NFC technology (Near-Field Communication). NFC allows two devices, like your smartphone or credit card and the payment terminal, to communicate when they’re close to each other. 

NFC is the same technology used in things like smartwatches and key fobs, which results in a seamless and quick way to pay.

How Does Tap to Pay Work

The process of using tap-to-pay is simple. When you tap your card or device near a payment terminal, the NFC technology sends a one-time code to complete the transaction. This code replaces your card number, which helps keep your information safe. 

Here's a basic step-by-step breakdown:

• You tap your card or phone near the terminal.
• The terminal communicates with your bank using the one-time code.
• Your bank approves the payment.
• The terminal processes the transaction, and you're done!

Understanding how tap-to-pay works can help you feel secure and make your shopping faster and easier.

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Benefits of Using Tap-to-Pay

Tap-to-pay offers a range of benefits, making it a popular choice for many people. These include:

• Convenience
• Speed
• Security
• Hygiene

You don’t have to deal with cash or swipe a card. Tap-and-go payments are quicker than other ways to pay. The one-time NFC code keeps hackers from getting your card information. Plus, since you don’t touch anything, it’s a safer option for your health.

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Is Tap-to-Pay Safe?

One of the biggest concerns people have about tap-to-pay is security. The good news is that tap-to-pay is safe. It uses tokenization (replacing your card number with a unique code), so your card number is never actually transmitted during the payment.

This makes it much harder for hackers to steal your information. And, most devices will require some form of authentication, like Face ID, a fingerprint, or a PIN, before allowing payments.

From a health perspective, it keeps you from touching public payment terminals, which helps reduce the spread of germs.

Does Tap-to-Pay Charge a Fee?

Using tap-to-pay generally doesn’t come with any extra fees. However, you should always check with your bank or card provider to make sure they don't add charges.

For merchants, fees are usually the same as those for traditional card transactions.

How Do I Tap-to-Pay with My Device?

Tap-to-pay works with most modern smartphones, smartwatches, and credit or debit cards. Setting up tap-to-pay on 

your device is simple, but the steps will vary depending on the type of device you use. So, how do you use your tap-to-pay? 

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How To Use Tap-to-Pay with iPhones

If you have an iPhone¹, you can set up Apple Pay¹ to use tap-to-pay. 

Here's how:

1. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone¹.
2. Tap the "+" sign to add a card.
3. Follow the prompts to add your card information.
4. Once your card is verified, you're ready to start tapping to pay!

To make a payment, hold your iPhone¹ near the payment terminal with your finger on the Touch ID or use Face ID to confirm the transaction.

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Make Contactless Payments with Just a Tap of your Android Phone

For Android² users, you can set up tap-to-pay through Google Pay:

1. Download and open the Google Pay app.
2. Tap Add a Card and input your card information.
3. Verify your card with your bank.
4. You’re now ready to use your Android² phone to tap-and-go!

To pay, unlock your phone and hold it near the terminal until the payment is confirmed.

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How To Use Tap-to-Pay with Other Smartphone Devices

Other devices like smartwatches and tablets can also be used for tap-to-pay. Many smartwatches, such as those by Apple¹ and Samsung³, have built-in payment capabilities. Just follow similar steps to those above to add a card, and you’ll be able to make payments with a tap of your wrist.

Cash in on Contactless Payments With Centier

Tap-to-pay has quickly become one of the most convenient and secure ways to make payments. With its speed, ease, and added security features, it’s no wonder more people are using it for their everyday transactions. 

Whether you're using an iPhone¹, Android², or smartwatch, setting up tap-to-pay is simple. Plus, it provides a contactless way to pay without any added fees.

Ready to tap into the future of payments? Start using tap-to-pay today and experience the benefits of contactless payments for yourself! 

Get a debit card compatible with contactless payments. Open an account with Centier Bank today.

Source: 

[1]  https://www.cnbc.com/select/mastercard-survey-contactless-payments/ 

^1^Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone® and Apple Watch® are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple Pay is a trademark of Apple Inc.
Apple Pay purchases using Centier Visa® Debit cards are protected from fraud under Visa’s Zero Liability protection. Visit https://usa.visa.com/support/consumer/card-benefits.html for terms and conditions.

^2^Works with Android™ phones, for more information visit https://pay.google.com/about/
Android™, Google Pay™, and the Android™ Logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
Google Pay™ purchases using Centier Visa® Debit cards are protected from fraud under Visa's Zero Liability protection. Visit https://usa.visa.com/support/consumer/card-benefits.html for terms and conditions.

^3^To view full list of compatible Samsung Pay devices visit https://www.samsung.com/my/samsung-pay/supported-devices/ Samsung Knox are trademarks or registered trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Other company and product names mentioned may be trademarks of their respective owners. Screen images are simulated; actual appearance may vary. Samsung Pay is available on select Samsung devices.

Samsung Pay purchases using Centier Visa® Debit cards are protected from fraud under Visa’s Zero Liability protection. Visit https://usa.visa.com/support/consumer/card-benefits.html for terms and conditions.

Visa® is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association and used under license.
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