Why Contactless Payment is a Wise Choice

What is contactless payment?

Contactless payment allows you to pay a retailer with either your card or your smartphone. The merchant simply enters the amount you owe on the POS. To complete the transaction, you just have to tap your card or wave your phone over it.

There are two main types of contactless payment. One type uses a physical credit card. The other type uses your smartphone to pay. To use your phone, you may need to download an app for mobile wallet technology and add your American Express Card to it. Popular apps include Apple Pay^®*, Google Pay^TM* and Samsung Pay^©. You may also be able to use other devices with contactless payment technology. Some examples include a smart watch, key fob or wristband.

How American Express supports contactless payment

Over 90,000 places in Canada started accepting American Express^® Cards in 2019. Check American Express Maps to see which merchants may accept contactless payment in your city. Note that the map may not show all accepting businesses.

How contactless payment works

Follow the steps below to use your contactless Card right.

Look for the contactless symbol on your credit card:

If your card has the above symbol, you may be able to use it at any reader that has the below symbol:

When you place your card close to the reader, it transmits data to the POS terminal. This act completes your purchase. If you have more than one contactless card in your purse or wallet, take out the card instead of tapping it through the fabric.

You can use your American Express Card to pay at any participating American Express contactless merchant¹. For greater everyday convenience, link your card to a mobile wallet and tap your smartphone to pay the bill.

How secure are contactless payments?

Contactless cards are just as safe as any other American Express Chip and PIN card. They use the same secure encryption technology.

Before the payment can be completed, the merchant must enter the exact amount on the POS. Only this POS, which is acquired from a bank, can communicate with your card.

American Express Cards come with an extra layer of security called the Fraud Protection Guarantee. Use the American Express Card online or off, and you won’t be held responsible for any fraudulent charges, as long as you’ve taken reasonable care to protect your account details, PIN and any device on which you have added your account information. Notify us at once if your Card or eligible device is lost or stolen, or you suspect it is being used without your permission.