How Do I Pay Contactless Over the Phone?

Using a contactless payment method via your mobile device has become one of the most popular ways to pay in the UK. Contactless payments have quickly become the norm and no matter whether you are using an iOS or Android device, you will have a built-in e-wallet that you can connect up to your debit card to make quick and easy contactless payments.

Below, you can check out our step by step by guide on how to pay contactless with your phone, the pros and cons of this payment method plus some alternative payment options using your mobile device.

What Contactless Mobile Services are Available?

The contactless mobile service that you use depends on the type of mobile device that you have. In the UK, this will normally be Google Pay, Samsung Pay or Apple Pay. Each of these services is supported by most of the UK’s major banks. We provide reviews of operators that accept payments such as Google Pay casinos.

Before you start using any of these contactless systems, first make sure that your mobile device software is up to date and then check that your bank supports the e-wallet service.

 

Are Contactless Phone Payments Safe?

Yes, you do not need to worry about using contactless phone payments as they are extremely safe. You can link up your debit card to your phone’s e-wallet and when you use this as your preferred payment method, the recipient of your cash will not have access to any of your debit card details. If you lose your mobile device, you can still remove the debit card from your e-wallet plus you will need to use either touch ID or face ID to confirm any contactless transactions that you are making.

 

How Do I Set Up Contactless Payments on My Phone?

Setting up contactless payments on your phone is incredibly easy and can be done in just a few minutes. Simply visit the e-wallet app section of your phone and choose to add a debit card. You can then either enter these details manually or you can take a photo and use the scanning technology to have the information entered automatically. Once you have verified the connection between your e-wallet and your debit card, you are ready to start making contactless transactions.

When making contactless payments at a physical retailer, simply load up the e-wallet on your home screen and hold it over the contactless card reader to transfer the money. If you are using this type of payment method online, you will have to confirm the transaction with either touch ID or face ID.

 

The Pros and Cons of Making a Contactless Payment

There are both pros and cons to using contactless as your preferred payment method. Here are some of the advantages that come along with using contactless:

Pros of Contactless Payments

• Secure transactions – this payment method is extremely secure and users are protected from fraud through encryption technology and verification such as touch ID or face ID. It also allows you to make payments without having to give your sensitive banking information
• Convenience – most people will have a smartphone and e-wallet app on their phone, which means all that is left to do is connect your card and this can be done in minutes. What’s more, this payment method allows you to make transactions without having to carry a bulky wallet full of cards around. All you need to make a payment is your mobile device
• Fast transactions – transactions using contactless on your phone are instant and you do not have to waste any time entering a PIN number
• Fees – there are no fees for using contactless and businesses also do not apply any fees when using this payment method

For most people, contactless payments will be a top choice, however, it is important to consider the cons too as you may discover that this is not the right payment method for you.

Cons of Contactless Payments

Before you sign up to use contactless payments, make sure you know exactly what to expect by checking out these cons:

• Availability – while contactless payments are very widespread now, they are still not available everywhere
• Low transaction limits – there are limits on the amount you can spend when paying contactless and therefore it will not be a suitable payment option when making larger purchases. In the UK, the limit is £100
• Fraud – while this is a very safe and secure payment method, there is still the chance you could lose your phone and fall victim to fraud. In this instance, you will need to get in touch with your bank

The cons of using contactless are few and far between, making it a great option for the vast majority of players.

 

Contactless Payment Alternatives

If you want to use your mobile device to make payments, contactless is not your only option. Services such as Pay By Phone and Boku allow you to authorise payments via your mobile device. All you need to use this payment method is a working UK SIM card and mobile phone number.

When you make a payment, the transaction will either be deducted instantly from your balance if you are using a pay as you go phone or if you have a pay monthly contract, it will be added to your monthly phone bill to pay altogether.

Users enjoy these payment methods as they are safe, fast and there are no fees applied by the service to use them. It offers a different way to pay through your phone that is not in any way connected to your bank account.

Paying by contactless on your mobile device is a fast, easy and convenient way to quickly pay for your goods and services without any fuss. You can connect your debit card to your e-wallet in a matter of minutes and there is no need to worry about any fees being applied to your transactions. If this is not a suitable payment option for you, just remember there are lots of other great alternatives to choose from.