Contactless payment is a convenient, cashless method using your bank card or a mobile app. It enables quick purchases up to €50 at merchants with compatible terminals—no PIN, cash, or checks required. Its popularity surged during the 2020 COVID-19 crisis, and while it's highly secure like traditional card payments, rare hacking risks exist.
Contactless payment offers a swift transaction option via bank card or smartphone at merchants equipped with NFC-enabled terminals. Limits apply to cumulative amounts (daily, weekly, or monthly, varying by bank and method) and consecutive transactions. Exceed them, and you'll need to switch to chip-and-PIN, cash, or check.
Simply tap your card's NFC (Near Field Communication) chip within 4 cm of the terminal. No PIN or signature needed. Cards issued after September 2017 support up to €50 per transaction; older ones are capped at €20.
Your phone needs NFC capability, and your bank must provide a compatible app. Tap it near the terminal—no signature required. For amounts over €20-30 (bank-dependent), enter your PIN on the terminal or app.
It's as secure as standard card payments, but fraud risks persist. The primary threat is "tele-pickpocketing," where scammers use NFC-reading apps to skim your card data remotely—a rare but real issue.
Hackers may relay stolen data for immediate contactless purchases or use it on unsecured sites, especially if they also obtain your name from the card.
Protect your card or phone with RFID-blocking sleeves available at tech stores. Conceal your card's name during transactions.
For mobile payments, toggle NFC in your bank's app on/off as needed, and use a unique app password (never your card PIN). Monitor statements closely.
Spot fraud? Call 0 892 705 705 immediately and notify your bank. If you still have the card, you're not liable—banks reimburse fraudulent charges and fees.
Fraud is limited by €50 caps and transaction quotas, keeping losses minimal. With these practices, contactless remains a safe, everyday choice.
