Contactless Cards
Looking for a faster and safer way to pay? With an Ascend Visa debit or credit card, you can tap to pay on a contactless-enabled transaction terminal and be on your way quickly.
Contactless payments are easy! Cardholders simply tap or hover their Ascend debit or credit card near the contactless payment symbol. All without having to touch the terminal or keypad.
- 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 card payments work?
Contactless cards have a small chip embedded in them that allow for near field communication (NFC). A contactless card issues a secure signal to the checkout terminal with a unique identifier for that transaction that completes the sequence.
- Where can I use my contactless card to pay for purchases?
You can use your contactless card anywhere you see the contactless symbol at checkout. If you don’t see the contactless symbol your card can still be swiped or inserted to complete the transactions. Millions of merchants accept contactless payments, including grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, and fast-food restaurants.
- Are contactless card 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.
Your card must also be within 1-2 inches of the terminal for the transaction to complete. So, you can’t pay by accident or just walking by.
- Can I receive an Ascend debit or credit card without the contactless payment technology?
No. All Ascend issued debit and credit cards will contain the contactless card chip embedded.
- Can I use my contactless card if I don’t see the contactless symbol on the terminal?
Yes. If you don’t see the contactless symbol you can still use your Ascend debit or credit card just as you always have by either swiping your card or inserting to have the chip read.
- Do I have to use the contactless payment option on my card?
No, you can continue to use your Ascend debit or credit card in the same way you always have.
- Are contactless payments different from Apple Pay and Google Pay?
Contactless cards use the same near field communication (NFC) that 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.
- Do I have to tap my contactless card on the checkout terminal?
No. To process the transaction just place your card within 1-2 inches of the contactless symbol on the terminal. The antenna works best when the contactless card is held flat over the contactless symbol and not at an angle.
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