Using a contactless chip reader involves either tapping your card or device for smaller payments or inserting the card for chip-based transactions. This versatility makes accepting payments quick and secure.
Two Primary Ways to Pay
A contactless chip reader supports two main payment methods:
- Contactless Payment (Tap): For quick transactions using features like NFC (Near-Field Communication).
- Chip Payment (Insert): For secure transactions by inserting the card's EMV chip into the reader.
1. Contactless Payment (Tap)
This is often the fastest way to pay with a contactless chip reader.
- Prepare the reader: Ensure the reader is activated and ready to accept a payment. This is typically indicated by a light or prompt on the reader or connected device (like a smartphone or tablet running a POS app).
- Bring device/card close: Hold your contactless card, smartphone, or wearable device within a few inches of the contactless symbol on the reader.
- Wait for confirmation: The reader will usually beep and/or show a visual confirmation (like green lights or a checkmark on a screen) when the payment is processed.
This method is convenient for both customers and businesses, speeding up checkout lines.
2. Chip Payment (Insert)
For transactions requiring the EMV chip, you will insert the card. The process involves specific steps to ensure the chip is read correctly.
- Initiate payment: Start the transaction on your POS app or system.
- Wait for prompt: Wait for the reader or app to indicate that it is ready to accept the card. As the reference notes, this might be when "a check mark appears on your POS app. Or you see four green lights on your reader."
- Insert the card: "Just make sure the chip side is facing up" when you insert the card into the designated slot on the reader. The chip must be fully inserted and remain in the reader until the transaction is complete.
- Follow prompts: The reader or connected device will guide the customer to confirm the amount, enter a PIN if required, or sign.
- Wait for confirmation: The reader will show completion status.
- Remove card: Only remove the card when prompted by the reader or system.
Using the chip method provides enhanced security compared to traditional magnetic stripe swipes.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Contactless (Tap) | Chip (Insert) |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Hold card/device near reader | Insert card into slot |
| Speed | Very fast | Typically faster than swipe, but slower than tap |
| Security | High (uses tokenization) | High (uses dynamic data) |
| Confirmation | Beep/lights/screen prompt on tap | Prompted removal, receipt often printed/sent |
| Reference Info | Not specifically mentioned in provided excerpt | Specific instructions on readiness & insertion direction |
Mastering both methods allows businesses to accept a wide range of modern payment types seamlessly. Always ensure your reader and connected device are up-to-date for optimal performance.
