Contactless cards let you tap or wave your card over the card reader—no swiping required. Most smartphones are also equipped with contactless payment technology, so you don’t need to rummage around for your wallet at all.If you’re curious about going contactless but don’t know where to begin, we’ve put together this guide to help you get started.
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What is contactless payment?
Contactless payment is a way of paying that doesn’t require cash or even swiping a card. All you have to do is tap or hold your contactless card or smartphone near a compatible card reader while you’re checking out. The terminal will automatically connect with your bank account and the purchase will be complete in just a few seconds.
Understanding contactless technology
So how does contactless technology actually work? Contactless transactions are powered by either radio frequency identification (RFID) or near-field communication (NFC) technology.When making a purchase, these radio waves share your bank account, contactless card, or phone app details with the merchant’s payment reader. The transactions are always encrypted, so you can rest assured your information is safe and secure.
The convenience of paying contactless
The benefits of contactless cards include being easy to get, simple to use, and conveniently linking to your smartphone so you never have to dig for your wallet again. They cut down transaction time and let you get on with the rest of your day.Most vendors are now accepting contactless payments. To check if your card is contactless, look for the universal symbol of four curved lines.
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Mobile phone payment power
Contactless cards aren’t the only devices equipped with this technology—you can make contactless payments straight from your smartphone.Mobile payments are made through a digital wallet app. Download a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay, and link your card information to the app. Next time you want to make a contactless in-store purchase, just wave your phone over the card reader and wait for the beep. Check out our guide on digital wallets to learn more.
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Contactless cards—the (mostly) PIN-free
A contactless card is a debit or credit card with contactless technology. While usually that means you’ll never have to physically touch a card reader, sometimes you might be asked to enter your PIN periodically. This might happen for security reasons, or to confirm transactions over a certain amount.Most issuers will also request that you make a traditional chip-and-PIN transaction first before the contactless payment technology is activated.
Ensuring contactless security
There is a risk of your contactless card falling into the wrong hands, but banks combat this by setting a contactless payment limit—usually of €50. This helps prevent expensive fraudulent transactions if your card is lost or stolen. Another drawback to contactless cards is that they make spending very easy, so it can be harder to resist splurging. With an N26 Mastercard debit card, you can easily set a limit on your daily spending and withdrawals via your N26 banking app.
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Mobile payment risks—smartphone safety
Contactless mobile payments might pose a risk if your device is lost or stolen. Apps such as Apple Pay and Google Pay require personal identification such as a fingerprint or facial recognition for added security on each transactionDigital wallets also encrypt card payment information, so details are never passed on to third parties. Still, always report a stolen card or smartphone to your bank immediately, so they can block your account.
Contactless card payments with N26
N26 allows you to enjoy contactless card and mobile payments, no matter which bank account you choose.All accounts come with a virtual N26 Mastercard, equipped with NFC technology, so you can make payments directly from your smartphone. If your account comes with a physical Mastercard, all of these are contactless, too. Manage your card settings or order a new one directly from your N26 app.
Make a PIN-protected transaction
With a new card, make an ATM transaction or PIN payment first, ahead of your first contactless payment
Check compatibility
Make sure that your banking app works with contactless payments, and that the card reader where you’re shopping is also compatible.
Know your payment limit
Be aware of the contactless payment limit so you don’t run into errors making transactions over that amount.
Wait for approval
It might be tempting to tap-and-go, but wait for the signal from the cashier that your payment has gone through.
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N26 Standard
The free* online bank account
Virtual Card
€0.00/month
A virtual debit card
Free payments worldwide
Up to 3 free withdraws
Deposit protection
Open free bank account
N26 Smart
The bank account that gives you more control
€4.90/month
Free Virtual Card
Up to 10 Spaces sub-accounts
Support Center phone number
Round-ups
Open N26 Smart account
POPULAR
N26 You
The debit card for everyday and travel
€9.90/month
Up to 5 free withdrawals in the Eurozone
Flight and luggage delay cover
Medical emergency cover
Winter activities insurance
Pandemic coverage
Open N26 You account
N26 Metal
The premium account with a metal card
€16.90/month
An 18-gram metal card
Up to 8 free withdrawals in the Eurozone
Purchase protection
Phone insurance
Dedicated N26 Metal line
Open N26 Metal account
How do I pay with a contactless card?
How do I know if my card is contactless?
What is contactless payment technology?
Where can I use contactless payments?
Does N26 provide contactless cards?
Pros and cons of contactless payments
How many contactless payments can I make per day?
Why was my contactless payment rejected?
How to activate contactless payments?
How to deactivate contactless payments?
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