A contactless chip card allows you to tap your credit or debit card against a reader, in addition to inserting or swiping your card.
Here's how it works
Look at your card
This indicator on your card means you can tap to pay anywhere you see the Contactless Symbol.
Look at the terminal
Look for the Contactless Symbol at contactless-enabled merchant terminals, transit turnstiles, and for debit card use at Wells Fargo ATMs.
Tap your card
Tap or hold your contactless card near the Contactless Symbol on the checkout terminal.
You may be asked to enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN) or sign for debit card transactions. If a contactless terminal isn’t available, just insert or swipe your card.
Features and benefits
Protection
Whether you tap, insert, or use the magnetic stripe for your transactions, your card comes with 24/7 fraud monitoring and Zero Liability protection.
Simple to use
Just tap your card where you see the Contactless Symbol—it's even easier than swiping or inserting your card.
At a Wells Fargo ATM, tap your contactless debit card and then enter your PIN to get cash, view account balance, and more.
Flexible everyday
Tap your card to help speed up your checkout at fast food restaurants, pharmacies, grocery stores, and more. Plus, use your contactless card at participating transit systems nationwide.
Ready to go contactless? Apply for a Wells Fargo checking account or credit card today. Already a Wells Fargo cardholder? Contact us to request a contactless card.
Consumer contactless credit cards
Wells Fargo started issuing consumer credit cards with the contactless technology in March 2019.
- New credit cards customers will automatically receive a contactless card.
- Existing credit cards customers will receive a contactless card upon current card expiration or customers’ requests for card replacement.
- To request a contactless card now, call the number on the back of your card and ask for a replacement card.
Business contactless credit cards
Contactless business credit cards are not available at this time. More information to come.
Need a Wells Fargo credit card?
Compare personal credit cards
Compare business credit cards
See the FAQs tab to learn more about contactless credit cards.
Contactless debit cards
Now you can speed through checkout and access Wells Fargo ATMs by tapping your Wells Fargo debit card near the Contactless Symbol on the merchant terminal or ATM.
Contactless technology is provided to new and existing Wells Fargo debit card customers with the following card types:
- Consumer debit cards
- Business debit cards
- Wells Fargo Advisors debit
- The Private Bank debit
- Campus Affinity debit
Getting a debit card with the added contactless feature is easy:
- Existing customers will receive a contactless chip card when they request a replacement card or their card is reissued.
- You can request a contactless debit card by visiting your local Wells Fargo branch, or by calling the number on the back of your current card.
Need a Wells Fargo debit card?
Compare personal checking accounts
Compare business checking accounts
See the FAQs tab to learn more about contactless debit cards.
Getting started
What is a contactless card?
A contactless card is a credit or debit card which enables close-range transactions. Contactless cards also come with a chip and magnetic stripe, so you can insert your card or use the magnetic stripe if a terminal is not yet contactless- (or chip-) enabled.
What is a contactless payment?
When a debit or credit card has the contactless feature, it can be tapped or held near a contactless-enabled merchant terminal. Encrypted card information is then sent using near field communication (NFC) technology between the card and the contactless reader on the terminal. In addition, Wells Fargo debit cards can be tapped near the Contactless Symbol on any Wells Fargo ATM for ATM access.
When your contactless purchase is completed, the merchant terminal will usually light up or prompt you for any further steps.
How do I make purchases using my contactless card?
- Hold your card within 1–2 inches of the Contactless Symbol on the terminal.
- Tap or hold your card flat over the Contactless Symbol, facing up, when prompted by the cashier or terminal. Some merchants may ask you to sign for the purchase, or to enter your PIN.
- Your payment should be completed in seconds.
Helpful hint: tap only one contactless card or mobile device near the Contactless Symbol at a time. If the contactless reader picks up more than one signal from cards in your wallet and/or your digital wallet, the terminal may ask you to try again to be sure it only processes payment from the card you intend to use.
Using a contactless card
Can I tap my contactless debit card to access an ATM?
Wells Fargo ATMs: You can use a contactless debit card plus your PIN to tap for access at any Wells Fargo ATM. If you wish, you can insert your contactless debit card anytime for access at Wells Fargo and non-Wells Fargo ATMs that display the Visa® or Plus® logos.
Non-Wells Fargo ATMs: Currently, most non-Wells Fargo ATMs are not enabled to provide “tap” access for Wells Fargo contactless cards or digital wallets. Other banks manage their ATMs differently, so you may or may not be able to tap at another bank’s ATM even if the Contactless Symbol is present. It is possible that other ATM providers will provide this access in the future.
Can I use my contactless card at locations if the merchant terminal or ATM are not yet contactless-enabled?
Yes, your contactless card also has a chip and magnetic stripe. You can use your contactless card by inserting it into chip-enabled terminals or ATMs, and use the contactless card’s magnetic stripe at terminals that are not yet chip or contactless-enabled.
Do I need to sign for my purchase?
Generally, your signature is not required for a contactless transaction. However, the merchant may have their own requirements and you may be asked to sign or enter your PIN to complete your purchase.
When your contactless purchase is completed, the merchant terminal will usually light up or prompt you for any further steps.
Can I use my contactless card outside the U.S.?
Yes, you can use your contactless credit or debit card while traveling outside of the U.S. at merchants who accept contactless card payments. Generally, you also will have the option of inserting or swiping your card.
For debit card please refer to your Wells Fargo debit card terms and conditions to review the fees associated with international transactions. For credit card please refer to the credit card terms and conditions for your Wells Fargo Credit Card to review the fees associated with transactions converted to U.S. dollars.
Using a contactless card on transit systems
Can I use my Wells Fargo contactless card for transit?
Transit systems in key metropolitan areas are beginning to accept bank-issued contactless cards, and more systems are expected to adopt contactless payments over the next few years in the U.S.
In addition, there are a number of transit systems in cities outside the U.S. that accept contactless payments.
Can I get the same fares with my Wells Fargo contactless card that I can get using my transit system card?
Some transit systems have integrated bank contactless cards and mobile devices into their discounted programs, but others have not yet done so. Discounts for multiple rides, for example, will depend on the transit system. Please check the transit system fare information.
Why do I only see one charge for a number of rides?
Some transit systems will group multiple rides into one payment per day, which they send to Wells Fargo for processing. They do not provide us with the information about individual rides that result in the charge. Please inquire with the transit system for more information.
Can I use the same Wells Fargo contactless card for different transit systems?
Yes. You can use your Wells Fargo contactless card on any transit system that accepts contactless card payments. Just tap your Wells Fargo contactless card at the appropriate locations and you’re on your way.
What do I do if the transit system supports contactless card payments, but did not accept my tap using my card?
Please check that your card or account are in good standing, as your transaction could be declined for a transit ride due to account status, system problems, or other reasons. Contact Wells Fargo at the number on the back of your card regarding the status of your account or other questions about a transaction.
If your card or account are in good standing, please contact the transit system’s customer service for assistance.
I tapped my contactless card twice. Will I get charged twice for the purchase?
If you tapped twice, please check your Wells Fargo transaction history or statement using the mobile app or online banking to ensure only one transaction was accepted. If you feel a transaction was charged erroneously, please submit a dispute by calling the customer service number on the back of your card, or using online banking.
How do I view how a transit transaction was processed using my contactless card?
In the Account Activity page online, you can select the “+” sign for more details about each transaction. There is a field labeled “Transaction Method.” You will be able to see if the transaction was completed by “card tapped,” “card inserted,” or “card swiped.”
Getting a Wells Fargo-issued contactless card
How do I get a contactless card?
Wells Fargo Credit Cards
- Consumer credit cards: New consumer credit card customers and current customers who are reissued a card will receive a card with the contactless feature. You can request a contactless card by calling the number on the back of your current card and asking for a replacement card.
- Business credit cards: Business credit contactless cards are not available at this time. More information to come.
Wells Fargo Debit Cards
- Debit cards: Contactless cards are available in all states served by Wells Fargo for new and replacement card situations for the following card types:
- Consumer debit cards
- Business debit cards
- WELLS FARGO PREMIER DEBIT CARD
- Wells Fargo Advisors debit
- The Private Bank debit
- Campus Affinity debit
You can request a contactless card by calling the number on the back of your current card and asking for a replacement card.
Can I get a card without the contactless feature?
Wells Fargo only offers debit cards and consumer credit cards with the contactless feature. You can continue to insert your card's chip at chip-enabled terminals, or swipe the magnetic stripe, if you do not wish to use the contactless feature.
Will my card number, expiration date, or 3-digit code (Visa credit and debit cards) or 4-digit code (AMEX, credit cards) change when I get the new contactless card?
When you receive your new contactless card, some of the numbers will be different. If the contactless card is replacing a debit or credit card that was about to expire or was damaged, your card number may remain the same but your expiration date and security code will change. If your card is being replaced because it was reported lost or stolen, or was compromised, the card number, expiration date, and security code will change.
Will my contactless card look the same as the one I have now?
Consumer credit card
Your contactless consumer credit card will have the Contactless Indicator on the back, letting you know that it is set up to make contactless payments. Otherwise, the card design is the same as your chip card.
If you have customized your credit card using the Card Design Studio® service, your contactless credit card will be issued with the same photo or image you selected. Also, you will see the Contactless Indicator on the back.
Consumer debit and business debit
Your new card will:
- Show the Contactless Indicator on the back, letting you know that it is ready to make contactless payments.
- Display your card information (like card number and expiration date) on the card back. (The display of your information has been enhanced to make it easier to read and more durable, by printing your name and account details on the card instead of embossing.)
If you have customized your consumer debit card using the Card Design Studio® service, your contactless card will:
- Be issued with the same photo or image you selected.
- Have the Contactless Indicator on the front.
- Continue to display your card information on the front of the card, using a more durable “flat” printing instead of the traditional embossed format.
Learning about security and safety with contactless cards
Are contactless cards secure?
Contactless cards come with chip technology, which provides added security when the card is tapped or inserted at a contactless or chip-enabled merchant terminal or ATM. Each time you insert or tap your card at a chip or contactless-enabled terminal, encrypted card data is sent to the terminal to process your transaction. This technology better protects you against counterfeit card fraud, and gives you a more secure experience during your transaction. As a reminder, your card comes with Wells Fargo's fraud monitoring and Zero Liability protection.
Does the contactless card provide enhanced security even if I use the magnetic stripe on my card?
No. A card must be inserted or tapped at a chip- or contactless-enabled terminal to take advantage of the enhanced security these features provide compared to the magnetic stripe.
Can someone with a card reader stand close enough to me to steal the account or card information from a contactless card without my knowledge?
Today’s contactless cards with chip technology use a secure microprocessor that generates a unique cryptographic code that changes for every transaction. The contactless technology has an ultra-short read range, so it is unlikely that card information can be captured from your card when using the contactless feature.
What security measures are in place to help prevent intercepted data from being used for transactions by the merchants?
To help protect against fraud, merchants who process transactions made via phone call, mail or online should use secondary security measures such as asking for the 3-digit code imprinted on the back of the Visa card (4-digit code on the front of an AMEX card), and implementing extra layers of security such as address or ZIP code verification. None of this information can be read electronically from the card.
How do I report a lost or stolen card?
Contact us right away if your card is lost or stolen.
Sign on to Wells Fargo Online® or sign on to your Wells Fargo Mobile® app to request a replacement card. Or contact us by phone.
For personal debit cards: Call us at 1-800-869-3557.
For business debit cards: Call us at 1-800-225-5935.
Can someone track my location using my contactless card?
No, your contactless card cannot be used to track your location.
Can my card information still be compromised with a contactless card?
Contactless technology is one layer of security to help prevent your Wells Fargo contactless card from being fraudulently used for transactions you make in person. The chip and contactless technology cannot reduce certain types of fraud that may occur, including, but not limited to, fraudulent web and phone purchases. Whether you tap, insert, or swipe, your card comes with 24/7 fraud monitoring and Zero Liability protection at no extra cost.
Additional questions
How can I tell if my card has the contactless feature?
A contactless card will have the Contactless Indicator printed on it, either on the back or the front of the card.
What is the Contactless Indicator and the Contactless Symbol?
The Contactless Indicator is displayed on a debit or credit card when the card has been enabled to make contactless transactions. A contactless card has a chip and near field communication (NFC) technology, so it can be used for secure close-range payments at terminals enabled for contactless payments.
The Contactless Symbol indicates that the merchant terminal is enabled to process payments by contactless cards, or by using your mobile device with a digital wallet. You can tap or hold your contactless card near the Contactless Symbol on the checkout terminal to make a contactless transaction.
What are the benefits of a contactless card?
A contactless card offers
- Convenience when making purchases: Contactless cards are fast, easy, and speed up your checkout experience. Merchants across the U.S. are increasingly able to accept contactless cards for payment. Plus, as transit agencies across the U.S. start to accept contactless cards at their terminals and turnstiles over the next several years, you’ll have even more places to take advantage of this feature.
- Convenience when accessing Wells Fargo ATMs: Contactless debit cards provide quick “tap” access (plus card PIN) at any Wells Fargo ATM.
- Protection: When you tap, your contactless card uses the advanced encryption and safeguards provided by the chip on your card.
Are there any additional fees for the contactless feature?
No, the contactless feature is included at no additional cost.
