Contactless Credit Cards

What is Contactless Payment?

Contactless payment allows you to make transactions without using cash or swiping a card. Simply tap or hold your contactless card or smartphone near a compatible card reader, and the terminal will connect with your bank account to complete the purchase within seconds.

Understanding Contactless Technology

Contactless transactions use radio frequency identification (RFID) or near-field communication (NFC) technology. When you make a purchase, these radio waves transmit your bank account, contactless card, or phone app details to the merchant’s payment reader. The transactions are always encrypted to ensure your information remains secure.

The Convenience of Paying Contactless

Contactless cards are easy to obtain, simple to use, and can be linked to your smartphone, eliminating the need to search for your wallet. They reduce transaction time, allowing you to continue with your day quickly. Most vendors now accept contactless payments. To check if your card is contactless, look for the universal symbol of four curved lines.

Contactless Payment with a Smartphone

Contactless technology is not limited to cards; you can also make payments directly from your smartphone using a digital wallet app. Download an app like Apple Pay or Google Pay, link your card information, and simply wave your phone over the card reader to make a purchase. For more details, check out our guide on digital wallets.

Contactless Cards—(Mostly) PIN-Free

A contactless card is a debit or credit card with contactless technology. Although you usually won’t need to touch the card reader, you might occasionally be asked to enter your PIN for security reasons or for transactions over a certain amount. Most issuers require a traditional chip-and-PIN transaction before activating the contactless payment feature.

Ensuring Contactless Security

To mitigate the risk of your contactless card falling into the wrong hands, banks set a contactless payment limit, typically around €50. This helps prevent expensive fraudulent transactions if your card is lost or stolen. However, contactless cards make spending easy, which can lead to overspending. With an N26 Mastercard debit card, you can set daily spending and withdrawal limits through the N26 banking app.

Mobile Payment Risks—Smartphone Safety

Contactless mobile payments can be risky if your device is lost or stolen. Apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay enhance security by requiring personal identification such as a fingerprint or facial recognition for each transaction. Digital wallets also encrypt card payment information to prevent it from being passed to third parties. Always report a stolen card or smartphone to your bank immediately to block your account.

Contactless Card Payments with N26

N26 offers contactless card and mobile payments with all bank accounts. Every account includes a virtual N26 Mastercard with NFC technology, enabling payments directly from your smartphone. Physical Mastercards issued by N26 are also contactless. You can manage your card settings or order a new one through the N26 app.

Tips for Using Contactless Payments

Make a PIN-Protected Transaction: With a new card, make an ATM transaction or PIN payment before using contactless payments.

Check Compatibility: Ensure your banking app supports contactless payments and that the card reader where you shop is compatible.

Know Your Payment Limit: Be aware of the contactless payment limit to avoid transaction errors.

Wait for Approval: Wait for the cashier's confirmation that your payment has gone through before leaving.