Contactless payments UK
Almost all UK banks issue contactless cards to account holders. The average contactless credit card payment is £8 and on debit cards it’s £6. Contactless technology is becoming increasing popular amongst clients in various industries, namely restaurant, supermarkets, transport felicities and cafes. It enables customers to make quick payments without having to enter their unique pin number when using contactless payment systems. We will look at how contactless transactions work shortly. The limit for these types of payments within the UK is currently £30. Contactless devices include the following:
· Credit card and debit cards
· Smart phones including not only Apple Pay but Android devices
· Wearable devices such as watches
· IPad and tablets
· Key fobs
· Stickers
How does a contactless card work?
Whether your customers choose to pay with mobile phone or pay with contactless cards, the process and the way it works is exactly the same. Contactless devices contain an antenna, which when held against a contactless payment terminal securely transmits the payment information, as it would do normally when after the pin had been entered with a larger card transaction. The authorisation process is the same. Once the payment has been approved by the issuing bank, the transaction is finalised. If your client is paying via contactless card payment look out for the contactless symbol.
Are contactless cards secure?
Business owners ask us regularly ‘how secure is contactless payment?’ understandably looking after your customers security is a priority and there are a lot of myths surrounding this relatively new technology. There are three main points which should provide both you and your customers with reassurance;
· Firstly when it comes to security contactless payment technology works in exactly the same way as the Chip and PIN secure system, to find out more about this please click HERE.
· Every single contactless card comes with robust security protecting your clients from fraudulent transactions. Contactless transactions work when the card is within centimetres of the Contactless Credit Card Reader. This makes it almost impossible for the transaction to be interfered with while the card is in use.
· There have been no confirmed reports of money being stolen from a contactless card or device still in the owners possession, within the UK.
Contactless card readers
The majority of newer PDQ machines have contactless payment systems built in already. We have a dedicated team who can advise you on the best PDQ terminals for accepting contactless payments.
However, an alternative way of accepting contactless transactions; is with the use of RFID CARD READERS – RFID stands for Radio-Frequency Identification. More commonly known as ‘touch and pay. ‘It works in the same way as contactless card technology with PDQ machines, using radio waves to communicate between the RFID credit card reader and the customer’s credit, debit card or top up cards. Wireless RFID credit card readers are becoming increasingly popular, especially within local transport facilities and coffee shops, including Starbucks to mention one of many. RFID systems are very discrete with limited buttons and connect to EPOS systems easily.
Advantages of contactless payments
The majority of consumers expect most outlets to accept contactless payments. The benefits of having a contactless terminal can be advantageous to not only clients but to business owners too.
REDUCING COST
· Some Merchant Providers charge lower or nil fees on contactless debit card transactions
· Staff intervention is reduced dramatically when using a contactless card machine
· Cash handling reduction
· Receipt handling reduced, contactless receipts only need to be issued when a customer requests one
RISK REDUCTION – as with all card payments
· Assured payments
· Audit trails
CUSTOMER ADVANTAGES
· Speedy transactions
· No restrictions due to the amount of cash on the client’s person at the point of them wanting to buy
· Easy accessibility, meaning an increase in footfall to businesses.
As business owners, the disadvantages of contactless payments are very limited, speak to our advisors today. They will help you secure the very best contract for accepting contactless payments.
