How to make contactless payments
Contactless payments are an increasingly popular way to pay. Here we cover how ‘tap and go’ works on credit and debit cards, the limits on spending, and what happens if your card is stolen.
Key takeaways
Simply hold your contactless card or device near the terminal to make the payment.
Many UK banks still apply a £100 limit for contactless card payments, but the official UK cap was removed in March 2026, so limits can vary by provider.
Mobile wallet payments, such as Apple Pay, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet, may allow higher-value payments because they use extra security such as face, fingerprint or passcode verification.
Your card and the payment terminal communicate via Near Field Communication (NFC) or Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID).
What is a contactless payment?
Contactless payment lets you pay by holding your debit card, credit card, smartphone or wearable device near a contactless card reader. You usually do not need to enter your PIN for smaller card payments, although your bank may occasionally ask for one as a security check.
Contactless card usage in the UK
The COVID-19 pandemic helped accelerate the use of contactless payments, as many shoppers and retailers moved away from cash. Contactless is now widely accepted across the UK, although it is still worth carrying a backup payment method in case a retailer does not accept it or the terminal is not working.
Contactless payments accounted for 67% of credit card transactions and 75% of debit card transactions, according to UK Finance data published in April 2026.
How do I set up contactless payment?
It’s made as simple as possible for you to set up contactless payments.
If you see the contactless symbol on your card – a set of four curved lines that echo the familiar Wi-Fi icon – it means that your card comes with this payment technology. You usually activate it with your PIN when you receive the card.
Setting up contactless payments on your phone
iPhone
Open the Wallet app and tap the + icon to add a card
Follow the instructions to scan your card or enter the details manually
Verify the card with your bank if asked
To pay, open Apple Pay, confirm with Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode, then hold your phone near the reader
Android
Open Google Wallet and add your card
Follow the instructions to scan your card or enter the details manually
Verify the card with your bank if asked
To pay, unlock your phone and hold it near the contactless reader
Samsung
Open Samsung Wallet and add your card
Follow the instructions to scan your card or enter the details manually
Verify the card with your bank if asked
To pay, open Samsung Wallet, confirm your identity using your chosen security method, then hold your phone near the reader
What technology is used in contactless payments?
Contactless payments in the UK primarily use Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, a secure and advanced subset of Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID).
RFID enables communication through radio waves and is commonly used in traditional contactless payment cards. NFC builds on this by allowing two-way communication over very short distances (typically less than 4cm), making it ideal for smartphones, wearables, and modern payment systems.
NFC provides added security features, such as encryption, ensuring safe and seamless transactions. Together, these technologies power the UK’s contactless payment system, enabling fast, reliable, and secure payments for both physical cards and mobile devices.
What are the limits on contactless payment?
Many UK banks still set a £100 limit for contactless card payments, but the official UK contactless cap was removed in March 2026. This means limits can vary depending on your bank, card provider and the retailer’s payment terminal.
Your bank may also ask you to enter your PIN after a number of contactless payments, or once your recent contactless spending reaches a certain amount. These security checks can vary by provider.
Mobile wallet payments, such as Apple Pay, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet, may allow higher-value contactless payments because they use extra security, such as face, fingerprint or passcode verification.
What are the pros and cons of paying by contactless?
Contactless cards come with a host of benefits:
Speed: Transactions are lightning-fast
Convenience: No fumbling for cash or inputting PINs
Security: Enhanced protection against fraud
Hygiene: Less contact means fewer germs
But there are drawbacks to consider:
Theft risk: If your card is lost or stolen, unauthorised tap-and-go purchases could occur
Limited use abroad: Not all countries are contactless-friendly
Overspending temptation: The ease of use could lead to impulse buys
How secure are contactless payments?
Contactless chips generate unique codes for each transaction, making it tough for fraudsters to replicate. Banks keep an eye out for any suspicious activity and may occasionally ask for a PIN to confirm it's really you.
Paying contactless through your mobile phone adds an additional layer of security because of the face recognition or passcode you need to access the device.
If your card, phone or wearable device is lost or stolen, contact your bank as soon as possible so it can block further payments. You should also check your recent transactions and report anything you do not recognise.
Concerned about the safety of your credit card? Our guide explains how credit card protection works, giving you peace of mind as you tap your way through transactions.
Personal Finance & Insurance Expert
Our expert says...
"Technology has moved on in leaps and bounds in the last few years. Some retailers have even stopped accepting cash and shoppers have no choice but to use contactless payments. The benefit is that whether you choose to use a card, your phone, or some other wearable device, paying contactless is quick, easy and secure. Just make sure you monitor your spending.”
Other useful guides
For those eager to learn more, MoneySuperMarket offers a wealth of guides:
Compare credit cards with MoneySuperMarket
Before you dive into the world of contactless, it's crucial to choose the right credit card. MoneySuperMarket's eligibility checker offers a glimpse into your chances of approval without denting your credit score. It's a smart way to compare your options and make an informed decision.
MoneySuperMarket is a credit broker – this means we’ll show you products offered by lenders. We never take a fee from customers for this broking service. Instead, we are usually paid a fee by the lenders – though the size of that payment doesn’t affect how we show products to customers.
Frequently asked questions
What if the contactless card doesn’t work?
If your contactless card doesn’t work, you should contact your card provider and request a replacement.
If you’re trying to pay for something and your contactless payment doesn’t work, just insert your card and enter your PIN for the transaction to go through.
Can I opt out of a contactless card?
If you’d prefer to opt out of having a contactless credit card, it’s best to contact your bank or card provider. Whether you can opt out of having a contactless card will depend on who you bank with. If the bank isn’t able to let you ‘opt out’ of contactless it may be worth comparing credit cards, to find a provider that better suits your preferences.
How do the payments show up on my bank statement?
When you make a contactless payment, your transaction will show on your bank or credit card statement with the universal contactless wave symbol next to it.
It’s wise to keep an eye on your payment history, just as you would with chip and PIN transactions and bank transfers. If you notice anything suspicious or unfamiliar contact your bank immediately.
What happens if I am charged multiple times for the same transaction?
Being charged twice for one transaction when paying with contactless is highly unlikely. This is because once you’ve placed your card or smartphone on the card reader, the transaction is complete.
Payment terminals have been designed to prevent you paying for the same thing twice, so the chances of you getting charged double are highly unlikely.
Some terminals will ask you to only present one card if it can detect two, while others might cancel the transaction entirely to avoid overcharging.
Can I use my contactless card abroad?
You should be able to use your contactless card abroad if the option to pay with contactless is available to you. If the retailer doesn’t display the contactless symbol on their card reader, you may have to pay by inserting your card into the card reader and punching in your PIN or with cash.
Author
Tim Heming
Personal Finance Expert
Tim Heming is a journalist and editor who has written about personal finance for national newspapers and consumer websites for 15 years. Tim enjoys providing no-nonsense information to help consumers...
Reviewer
Alan Cairns
Senior Content Editor
Alan breaks down money, home, and energy topics into plain English to help you save money. Ask him about pound cost averaging or Balkonkraftwerk.
