Contactless payments?

Magpie52

I'm looking for advice on using debit cards for contactless payments. I've haven't tried it yet but am considering it for top-up shopping etc. and wondered if it's a good idea - or is it risky? Just trying to gauge opinion based on people's experience.

Apologies if this has been covered before (I'm guessing it probably has?) but I'm new to the forum and haven't come across anything yet. If there is an existing thread (maybe in another section) I'd be grateful if someone could point me in the right direction.

MarkFromCornwall

Magpie52 wrote: »

I'm looking for advice on using debit cards for contactless payments. I've haven't tried it yet but am considering it for top-up shopping etc. and wondered if it's a good idea - or is it risky? Just trying to gauge opinion based on people's experience.

I find it very convenient (and with TSB at present you get 5% cashback). There is a risk but it's very low because the amounts are relatively small, you do get asked for your PIN very occasionally and the bank will refund you if your card is used fraudulently (provided you use it responsibly and in accordance with the terms and conditions).

colsten

There's a huge discussion about safety or lack of it in the TSB 5% cashback thread. Essentially, it's safer than cash but some people claim it isn't.

HappyMJ

Magpie52 wrote: »

I'm looking for advice on using debit cards for contactless payments. I've haven't tried it yet but am considering it for top-up shopping etc. and wondered if it's a good idea - or is it risky? Just trying to gauge opinion based on people's experience.

Apologies if this has been covered before (I'm guessing it probably has?) but I'm new to the forum and haven't come across anything yet. If there is an existing thread (maybe in another section) I'd be grateful if someone could point me in the right direction.

It's actually slightly less risky than actually using your PIN as someone could watch you entering your PIN over your shoulder then when you leave the shop take your card (and your mobile) from you by force (or by stealth) then use your card and PIN to steal from your bank account before you've had an opportunity to inform the bank.

If you lose your contactless card the most that can be taken is £30 in any one transaction and that is refunded by the bank if you've informed them the card has been stolen from you. They still don't know your PIN and can't withdraw cash. They have to enter a store to use the card so it's highly to have CCTV and they'll get their face caught by camera at some point.

Magpie52

colsten wrote: »

There's a huge discussion about safety or lack of it in the TSB 5% cashback thread. Essentially, it's safer than cash but some people claim it isn't.

Cheers, I'll check that out,

DCFC79

Works ok for me, only used it in morrisons in store and for petrol.

Bogof_Babe

I use it all the time, used it today for a 49p packet of throat pastilles in Boots. I'd feel a bit silly using a debit card for such a small amount but somehow contactless is so easy and quick that it doesn't matter.

I keep my debit card in a RFID-blocking cover (available online), so that it doesn't accidentally get "flashed" when I'm just standing too close to a terminal.

Dandytf

IPhone 6 since 20015.

Using contactless fuel/ciggies local b.p. garage.
Subway-rarely, works sandwiches-sometimes (pre packed hence sometimes).

+ points-no need to drive to atm and take 'more than I need in cash'
Immediate debit from bank balance.
Eelectronic receipts via iPhone.
A nice photo of rbs debit card via iPhone.

_ Points local supermarket hasn't yet upgraded terminals.
iPhone is a wee bit of a nuisance if i'm in a hurry and phone is switched off ( a few secs before it boots up to make contactless payment)

anoncol

It's zero risk, it's covered by the bank.

20aday

I love using contactless/Apple Pay (especially as I can earn 5% with TSB and a further 3% with Santander until the end of February-capped at £100 per month-so using it in a Morrison's petrol station will earn me 6% rather than the current rate of 3%).

As pointed out above it's capped at £30, requires PIN entry after so many contactless transactions, and for any fraudulent transactions you will be reimbursed by your bank.

Sharon87

When I lost my contactless card, I informed the bank as soon as I could. Purchases had been made via contactless. When I phoned up the fraud department they asked me a few questions (eg. does anyone else know my pin... did it get stolen or lost etc). Then they said I'm eligible for the charges to be refunded and got the refund the end of that working day.

So as long as you aren't frivolous with your security details contactless is just as safe as anything else.