A contactless card has a chip that uses a near field communication (NFC) antenna to enable close-range payments. Payments are processed by tapping the contactless card near the Contactless Symbol on a checkout terminal that supports contactless payments.

The Contactless Symbol looks like this:


 

Instead of inserting or swiping your card at the checkout terminal, you simply tap your card to pay—it’s fast and easy. Contactless payments are securely completed using short-range wireless technology between a contactless card, or payment-enabled device, and a checkout terminal that supports contactless payments.

 

Yes. Each transaction is accompanied by a one-time code that securely protects your payment information, just like with a chip card. Also, your card or device must be within 1-2 inches of the checkout terminal for the transaction to occur, so you cannot pay accidentally. You won't be billed twice, even if you accidentally tap twice. 

Also, fraudsters cannot re-use the one-time code that secures your payment information because the code is specific to each transaction. Even if they were able to access it, the information would be useless to them.

 

Yes. You can still insert your contactless card at an EMV (chip-enabled) checkout terminal, or swipe your card at a magnetic stripe terminal.

 

Contactless payments are fast, easy, and convenient to use in places where you're paying on the go. Each contactless card transaction is accompanied by a one-time code that protects the payment information - just like transactions made with a chip card, which means contactless payments are secure. And unlike cash, contactless payments make it easy to keep records of your purchases. You can still do everything you would do with any other Visa card, like adding a tip, getting cash back (if available), and more.

 

Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) is a technology that emits a magnetic signal that mimics the magnetic strip on a traditional payment card. MST sends a magnetic signal from your device to the payment terminal’s card reader. MST is accepted at nearly all payment terminals with a card reader and does not require an upgrade of the terminal’s software as in the cases of some other contact-less payments. MST offers the same security as paying with Near Field Communication (NFC). MST is only available on MST capable devices.

The process to return an item purchased in-store with Google Pay is the same as if you were returning an item purchased with a physical card. Most merchants require you to have the original receipt along with the payment card used for that transaction. If the merchant asks you to swipe your card, simply hold the back of your phone to the contactless payment terminal. For some returns, you might have to provide the last 4 digits of your digital card number.