First Direct Conactless Cards

alanq

Indeed. In FirstDirect's Talking Point What Do You Really Want From Your Bank? customers wanted contactless. The last official response from mid-August is that contactless is something they MAY introduce in the future but there are no timescales. A couple of days ago I posted up a comment with a link to the Ts&Cs changes pointing out that a start date had now been announced. My comment was removed without explanation.
http://www.interactive.firstdirect.com/talkingpoint.html?WT.ac=FSDT_HB_TalkingPoint

Helix

mrmajika wrote: »

I bank with FD and would be happy for this to be introduced. I've read before that they've stated that there are no definate plans to introduce them as yet. It could be that the change in the t&c's is to allow there to be scope for them to be introduced at some future point, rather than a definite roll out come December.

Here are the changes: http://www1.firstdirect.com/content_static/pdf/nov_terms_1211.pdf

Makes it sound like this is actually a planned rollout rather than something they are thinking of offering in the future:

Debit cards - Changes have been made to the first direct Terms to reflect the fact that we will start issuing contactless debit cards from 1 December 2011.

gt94sss2

HSBC are also changing their T&C on contactless cards as well.

HSBC were trialling them in the UK years ago (since 2007), but the pages have now been removed from their website (its hidden here - thanks to google!). I suspect to prepare for a 'full' launch

HSBC have had contactless cards in other countries for years (i.e. the USA in 2005) , so no surprise if they are planning to finally offer them in the UK.

In fact, one of the guides produced by an industry body suggests that they are already available for HSBC UK customers 'on request'

Regards
Sunil

mrmajika

Helix wrote: »

Here are the changes: http://www1.firstdirect.com/content_static/pdf/nov_terms_1211.pdf

Makes it sound like this is actually a planned rollout rather than something they are thinking of offering in the future:

Having just read the link, you are quite right.

In the Summary of Main Changes section, it states:

Changes have been made to the first direct Terms to reflect the fact that we will start issuing contactless debit cards from 1 December 2011.

samwsmith1

They replied to my emessage about contactless credit cards, they didn't answer the question, they just said they don't currently issue them.

[Deleted User]

they said to me they were coming from next march

Gromitt

Great, so next time my debit card gets renewed I'll have to purchase a lead wallet to put it in?

Or can we ask for a card which is NOT contactless enabled? I want at least someway to say "I approve this payment".

Mikhail

I don't think that Britain is ready for contactless cards simple because so many places have something called a minimum payment. I've tried to buy a bottle of water in my gym, but the person there has informed me that I need to buy at least 6 bottles, how stupid!

tagq2

Gromitt wrote: »

Great, so next time my debit card gets renewed I'll have to purchase a lead wallet to put it in?

Well, yes, although an RFID-blocking card sleeve should be sufficient. Everyone with a new passport should also be doing this. Who wants their details being swiped and reused by a random passerby with a modicum of RF engineering knowledge?

JuicyJesus

Mikhail wrote: »

I don't think that Britain is ready for contactless cards simple because so many places have something called a minimum payment. I've tried to buy a bottle of water in my gym, but the person there has informed me that I need to buy at least 6 bottles, how stupid!

I don't frequent anywhere like that if I don't have to.

I don't carry cash. Many people now don't carry cash. If they don't take Visa Debit then I'm not interested. Contactless, when introduced, should be good - being able to pay for bus tickets, sandwiches and other small things just by tapping your card will be a whole new way of doing things.