Contactless cards use an embedded computer chip and radio frequency antennae, allowing the cardholder to simply "tap and go" when making a purchase. Contactless transactions are processed through the same, reliable EMV payment network as contact transactions. Contactless transactions only work when a contactless card is used at a contactless terminal. When used at a non-contactless enabled terminal, the cardholder can insert or swipe the contactless card at the terminal.
The Canadian payment card industry supports chip and PIN and contactless chip and PIN payment technology for all credit, debit and charge cards in Canada. These EMV® payment technologies are in wide use around the world, offering proven state-of-the-art security.
The embedded chip stores information required to verify, authorize and process transactions. The chip is nearly impossible to duplicate. In addition, chip cards and terminals work together to ensure highly secure transactions using stronger authentication methods at the point of sale.
The combination of stronger authentication methods and unique transaction elements make chip-card account data less attractive to steal and counterfeit fraud exceedingly difficult.
Below are answers to some questions you may have about our contactless chip and PIN cards.