Contactless cards are just as secure as EMV chip cards. And, in a contactless transaction, the card never leaves the consumer’s hand, adding an additional layer of security.

Contactless cards use short-range wireless technology to complete payments between a contactless card or payment-enabled device and a contactless-enabled checkout terminal. Like the EMV chip, contactless payments use encrypted technology. For every contactless transaction, a specific, one-time code is created that secures the cardholder’s payment information. The code cannot be reused even if a criminal intercepts it.

It’s simple to add a contactless card reader system to your operations. M&T Bank can customize a card acceptance program that works for both you and your customers. Doing so allows for fast, secure transactions that could grow your average ticket size, capture unplanned purchases and improve your cash flow.

To accept contactless, near-field communication (NFC) payments, you need an NFC-enabled card reader. That hardware is usually provided as part of the service when you open a merchant account with a bank. Customers can hold a device like a smartphone near the card reader and their mobile wallet information is securely transmitted via radio frequency.

It’s simple to add a contactless card reader system to your operations. Using Wi-Fi and cellular options, you can bring your terminal directly to your customers to accept NFC and mobile wallet payments. Or use Bluetooth and low-energy NFC card readers that connect to an easy-to-use app.