Whether they are shopping at the grocery store, refilling their tank at the gas station or handling other day-to-day tasks, more and more consumers are using contactless payments in place of cash. The reasoning is simple: Contactless payments offer health, safety and security benefits.
Knowing that, VyStar Credit Union is pleased to introduce contactless credit cards and debit cards, which will improve how our members complete transactions. Beginning in January, any time a new card is issued — whether it is because a current card is expiring, a card is lost/stolen or for any other reason — a new card will be issued that includes the contactless feature already embedded into it.
Not familiar with contactless payments? Here’s how they work: When you are ready to pay, all you have to do is find the contactless symbol and hold your card over the reader. Once your transaction is approved, you’re good to go. That means no more signing a credit slip.
In addition to other benefits, such as the health advantages that come from touching fewer surfaces, contactless payments are efficient. That means they can help you make the most of your time. And if you don’t see the contactless symbol when you are attempting to pay, you can still swipe or insert your card like you typically would.
If you’re not accustomed to this type of payment method, you’re probably wondering how completing a transaction without signing a slip would be more secure. The answer is that your name, billing address and card verification code are never transmitted. Instead, a unique code is made for each transaction, which decreases the likelihood of fraud because it is difficult for fraudsters to duplicate the unique code and steal your information. VyStar already offers security features like fraud alerts that flag suspicious card activity, and contactless payments add another layer of protection.
Members who are interested in utilizing their mobile wallet to pay with apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay can do so in much the same way. When you are ready to pay, open your mobile wallet, select the card you are using (if you have multiple cards stored) and hold it near the reader. Once you provide either fingerprint, facial verification or passcode, your transaction will be completed.
Have additional questions about contactless payments? Please call our Contact Center at 904-777-6000.
The information in this blog consists of the opinions and ideas of the author alone and should be used for informational purposes only. VyStar Credit Union disclaims any liability for decisions you make based on the information provided.