Once you’ve filled your holiday shopping cart with all the gifts, food, and treats you need, doesn’t it make sense to have the fastest and safest way to pay? Ascend debit and credit cards make it easy at checkout with contactless payments so you can tap and go.

What is a contactless card?

A contactless card contains a small, near-field communication (NFC) chip that allows for close-range payments. When you tap or place your contactless debit or credit card near the contactless symbol on a checkout terminal, your payment is submitted wirelessly without having to swipe or insert your card.

How do contactless payments work?

A contactless card issues a secure signal to the checkout terminal with a unique identifier for that transaction that completes the sequence. All you have to do is tap or hover your Ascend debit or credit card near the contactless payment symbol briefly until the payment is accepted.

Are contactless payments secure?

Yes, contactless card payments are safe. Each transaction generates a unique, one-time code that securely protects your payment information. So even if someone was able to intercept your code, it cannot be re-used by fraudsters. In many ways, contactless payments are among the most secure payment options available, as this will reduce the risk of card skimming since you won’t be inserting your card into a machine when paying.

Your card must also be within 1-2 inches of the terminal for the transaction to be authorized. So, you can’t pay by accident as you’re walking by.

Are contactless payments different from Google Pay and Apple Pay?

Contactless cards use the same near-field communication (NFC) as digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay to safely and securely transmit your payment. But with contactless cards, there is no need to use your phone to complete the transaction.

If I don’t have a contactless card, can I request one with the technology?

Yes. The next time your Ascend debit or credit card is issued it will contain contactless payment technology. If you would like to have a card issued before your next renewal, give us a call at 800-342-3086 or visit your nearest branch and speak to an Ascend representative. If you’d like to learn how to add your Ascend debit or credit card to a digital wallet, click here.

You’ve finally found that perfect gift for your certain someone — make sure you’re paying in the safest, quickest way possible so you can get back to enjoying your holidays.