What’s a contactless card and why should I use one?

We’re taking our debit and credit cards to the next level with touch-free payments.

At OCCU, your safety means everything to us. With a contactless credit or debit card, you’ll be able to breeze through checkout without ever touching the point-of-sale machine.

If you’re unfamiliar with contactless payments — or you’ve heard of them but still have questions — here’s everything you need to know about your OCCU contactless card.

What is a contactless card?

Your contactless debit or credit card is embedded with a contactless chip that communicates with any payment machine where contactless payments are enabled. Although paying with a contactless card is sometimes called “tap to pay,” you don’t have to touch the machine at all. If your card is within two inches of the contactless symbol on the device, you can finish your transaction safely and securely.

Are contactless payments secure?

Your contactless debit or credit card will have the same proven security as your current card — we’d never accept anything less. In fact, contactless payments can help reduce the potential for fraud.

Each time you use your contactless card, it generates a one-time code to protect your payment information. When you “tap” to pay, the code is transmitted along with your account number, keeping your name, billing address and card verification code private. Even if a scammer did manage to obtain your private information, it would be extremely difficult (if not impossible) to complete a contactless payment without the card in hand.

This one-time code makes your contactless card even more secure than the old magnetic stripe technology. Swiping a magnetic stripe leaves your sensitive information vulnerable to skimming devices, which hackers can use to create a duplicate stripe for making fraudulent transactions.

With your contactless card, you’ll be even more protected than before. And in the unlikely event that something goes wrong, you’ll still be protected from any unauthorized use with Visa’s Zero Liability Policy.

How do I make contactless payments?

Making contactless payments is easy! Here’s how:

STEP 1: Look for the contactless symbol on any “tap to pay” or “contactless” signage near check out. When in doubt, ask the cashier.

STEP 2: Place your card within two inches of the contactless symbol on the credit card machine. It works best if your card is flat over the symbol, instead of at an angle.

STEP 3: Hold your card in place for one to two seconds, and you’re done!

What if I accidentally pay for something?

With your contactless credit card, you can’t pay accidentally. Your card must be within two inches of the credit card machine for the transaction to complete. Even if you accidentally tap twice, you’ll only be billed once.

How do I get a contactless card?

Starting in May 2023, all OCCU credit and debit cards will be contactless to provide greater security and convenience for our members.

Can’t find your new OCCU contactless card? Call 855.755.6423 for immediate assistance. Since your new contactless card will have a new card number, you’ll need to update any recurring payments connected to your OCCU card with the new number.

How do I manage my contactless card?

Whether you have a contactless credit card, a contactless debit card or both, you can manage all of your OCCU accounts in one place at MyOCCU Online & Mobile. With a single login, you can check your account balances, make transfers, set up automatic monthly payments and more.

With a contactless credit or debit card, using and managing your card will be easier and safer than ever. Ready to add a new OCCU contactless card to your wallet? Discover more here and consider applying for one today.