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5 Things You Should Know Before You Apply For A Contactless Credit Card
By: Rebecca Spitzer
Waving your credit card in front of an electronic sensor like a magic want to
pay for goods and services sounds too good to be true. But as long as you are
willing to pay the bill when it comes, this technology is available to you
today. If you can qualify for a credit card, you can qualify for the new
contactless cards.
Contactless credit cards are based on radio frequency identification (RFID)
technology. This is the same system that toll roads have been using for years
and the one that businesses like Wal-Mart use for accurate inventory tracking.
But before you jump on the contactless bandwagon, here are some things you need
to know:
• The information that is usually in the magnetic strip of a regular credit card
is stored in a tiny chip inside the contactless card. So if you damage the chip,
you render the card unusable.
• RFID transmissions are not encrypted. Most credit card issuers are not
concerned about this, but it does present the possibility for theft. A savvy
thief could stand nearby and intercept the transmission. The stolen data,
however, would be impractical for the thief, since a different authorization
number is transmitted with each transaction.
• If your current credit card issuer already offers contactless cards, you may
be able to get one without having to open a new account. Check with your credit
card issuer before applying.
• Remember that contactless cards are still in the testing phase in some cities.
So this technology will not be useable everywhere. A store has to be equipped
with a special RFID reader to accept the cards. Eventually, they should be in
most convenience stores, fast food restaurants, and gas stations.
• Finally, consumers who have used the contactless cards affirm the ease of use
at the check out counter. But a side effect of this convenience is the tendency
to spend more money. So be conscious of what you are spending and don’t think
just because it’s easy to use means it will be easy to pay later.
About the Author:
Rebecca Spitzer recommends Find Credit Cards if you wish to apply for a
contactless credit card. See http://www.findcreditcards.org/type/contactless.php
for more information. |