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How to make contactless payments

Tim Heming
Written by  Tim Heming
Collette Shackleton
Reviewed by  Collette Shackleton
5 min read
Updated: 20 Dec 2024

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

  • The contactless card payment limit is £100 in the UK, but you can make bigger payments by using your mobile phone

  • Your card and the payment terminal communicate via Near Field Communication (NFC) or Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)

Waiter taking contactless card payment

What is a contactless payment?

Contactless payment is the modern-day magic of money handling. Hover or lightly tap your credit/debit card or smartphone over or on a reader and the payment is made without the need for a PIN or signature. It's a simple, swift, and secure way to make purchases up to £100 on your card, or more on other devices.

What contactless devices are there?

The surge of tap-and-go

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a catalyst for change in many areas, not least in the realm of contactless payments. As cash usage dwindled for hygiene reasons, tap-and-go transactions became the norm. Today, you'd be hard-pressed to find a retailer that doesn't welcome this method with open arms.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a catalyst for the faster rise of contactless payments. As cash usage dwindled for hygiene reasons, tap-and-go transactions became the norm. Today, you are unlikely to find a retailer that doesn't accept contactless payment.

Contactless card usage in the UK

  • 77% Debit card transactions are contactless*

  • 66% Credit card transactions are contactless*

*Source: UK Finance, November 2024

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

Whether you’re an iPhone, Android or Samsung user, setting up contactless payments is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps:

  • Open the Wallet app and tap the + icon in the top-right corner to add a card

  • Follow the prompts to scan your card or manually input the details

  • Your bank will send a verification code via text or phone call for added security.

To make a payment:

  • Double-click the side button on the phone

  • Unlock your phone using Face ID

  • Hold your phone over the contactless reader to complete the payment.

You can store multiple cards and switch between them before paying by selecting the desired card at the bottom of your screen after double-clicking.

  • Download the Google Pay app from the Google Play Store

  • Add your card by scanning it or entering the details manually

  • Verify your card with a code sent by your bank via text or phone call

To make a payment:

  • Unlock your phone, open the Wallet in Google Pay and select your card

  • Alternatively, set up Google Pay to automatically open your Wallet when you double-click the side button

  • Hold your phone over the contactless reader to pay

  • Download the Samsung Pay app from the Samsung Galaxy Store

  • Add your card by taking a photo of it or typing in the details

  • Verify your card using a bank code sent via text or phone call

To make a payment:

  • Swipe up on the lock screen to open Samsung Pay

  • Unlock your phone using Face ID or another method

  • Choose your card and hold your phone over the reader to complete the transaction

Setting up contactless payments on your phone

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?

The contactless transaction limit for a single payment is £100, allowing for larger purchases without the need for a PIN. However, for mobile phones, the sky's the limit, while smartwatches might ask for a button press for added security.

The threshold for multiple contactless transactions with a card before a customer is required to enter their PIN is £300, but it may be lower depending on the bank in question. Banks tend not to disclose these limits for safety reasons.

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.

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 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.

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.

Rebecca Goodman
Rebecca Goodman
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.

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