Pay contactless: security concerns are justified

Contactless payment continues to spread. However, quite a few customers are concerned about security. This practical tip will tell you whether this is justified and what specific security measures are in place.

Security: How exactly does contactless payment work?

Almost all card terminals in shops now support contactless payment. This works either by credit and checking card or with a smartphone. The technology used is NFC in both cases.

• NFC stands for Near Field Communication, i.e. communication over short distances. In concrete terms, this means that you have to hold your bank card within a few centimeters of the card terminal to pay. At a distance of around five centimeters or more, the NFC chip can no longer be read.
• In addition to the short distance, entering the PIN is another security feature. You can pay small amounts contactlessly without a PIN. From 50 euros (VISA) or 25 euros (Mastercard, Girocard) your PIN will be requested.
• Possible concerns that an amount will not be charged correctly or, for example, will be charged twice are unfounded. In practice, contactless payment works reliably and has the additional advantage that you don't have to hand over your card.

Can fraudsters get access to contactless cards?

In fact, there are always incidents where fraudsters use special devices to collect credit card data. This can work by holding the reader close to the victim's wallet - for example, on an escalator or in large crowds.

• This way, fraudsters can get your credit card number and expiry date. In some online shops this is enough to order goods.
• You can protect yourself from this type of fraud. Special, shielding sleeves, in which you can insert your contactless card, are particularly secure. As long as the card is in the case, it cannot communicate via NFC.
• You are also largely safe if you have multiple cards with NFC in your wallet. These shield each other so that no data can be read out.
• In general, check the withdrawals from your account regularly and report any irregularities to your bank. If your card is lost or if you have a specific suspicion of misuse, you should have it blocked immediately. Use the central barred number 116 116.
• The good news: as long as you do not act with gross negligence (eg write the PIN on the card), you are only liable for up to 50 euros for unauthorized debits from your credit card. If you have ordered your card to be blocked in good time, you will not be liable at all.

Danger from NFC: Your credit card details can be stolen so easily

There are currently two important providers of smartphone payments: Google Pay and Apple Pay. We compare the two services in the next practical tip.