Using contactless payments to shop safely

Contactless payments have been around for a while. But you may have seen more and more shops asking for this type of payment as an alternative to cash. That’s because it’s a safe way to pay quickly without touching or passing anything over a counter.

To make use of it, all you need is your Barclaycard or your smartphone to hand.

You can use your contactless credit or debit card to pay for purchases up to £100, wherever you see the contactless symbol. Simply tap it on the card reader and go (there may be times when you have to enter your PIN for security reasons – to confirm that it’s you who’s using your card).

What about those times when you can’t use contactless?

Sometimes, you might not be able to make a contactless payment with your card, or you may have to enter your PIN. For example, you’ll have to enter your card’s PIN to make an in-store payment for the first time, before you can use contactless.

Your phone can also help you pay contact-free

Depending on the type of device you have, you may need to download new apps or use apps already stored on your phone. Once set up, you’ll be able to use your phone like a contactless card by tapping it over the shop’s card reader. Handy if you’re in a rush or you’ve forgotten your card.

Linking your Barclaycard credit card to the Apple Pay Wallet app^[1] is quick and easy. It means you’ll be able to pay using your iPhone or Apple Watch, whenever you see the contactless symbol or Apple Pay logo.

Plus, there's no limit, so you can make payments for any amount (up to your available credit limit)^[2]

You can use your Barclaycard across the London transport network, from the bus, to the tube, tram, DLR, London Overground and most National Rail Services. There’s no queuing for top-ups – you just touch and pay. It’s the fast, easy and secure way to pay for your journeys.