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Visa payWave FAQ

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Visa payWave FAQs

If you've got questions about Visa PayWave, we've got answers. Read our FAQs for more information.

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  What is Visa payWave?

Visa payWave is a new contactless method of payment, the latest evolution in Visa payments. Featuring a distinctive contactless symbol or Visa payWave logo, the cards have a tiny antenna embedded into the chip, which securely transmits purchase information.

  How close to the reader does the card need to be?

You should hold your Visa payWave card within 4cm of the card reader.

  Is this technology as secure as traditional Visa cards?

Visa payWave cards are just as secure as any other Visa chip card and carry the same multiple layers of security protection, including Zero Liability, which ensures you are not responsible for fraudulent or unauthorised transactions. In addition, with Visa payWave you retain control of your card during the transaction, which reduces the risk of fraud.

  How do I know that my transaction information is secure?

The Visa payWave platform is based on secure EMV chip technology, which provides both data protection and transaction security via the use of keys and the latest encryption technology. Transactions are processed through the same, reliable payment network as magnetic strip transactions.

  Is there any chance that payments may be taken twice from my account?

Visa payWave terminals are designed to only make one transaction per card at a time. All Visa payWave terminals are tested and certified to confirm that a card is only read once before the transaction is concluded. As a safeguard, each transaction must be complete or void before another one can take place.

  Is there a limit on the value of goods you can purchase with Visa payWave technology?

For purchases under $100 in Australia - you can wave and go. (Temporarily increased to $200 due to COVID-19 - will likely be reduced in future - only effective for certain merchants/providers)

For purchases over $200 a PIN is required, for All other transactions Chip and PIN

Please note: if you have exceeded your daily transaction limit of $500 or 20 transactions, you may receive a DECLINE notice on the contactless reader. Please simply insert your card into the terminal, and you will be able to enter a PIN and transact as normal.

  What happens if I try to purchase goods over $200?

For purchases exceeding $100 ($200 during COVID-19) you can still use your Visa payWave card by entering your PIN to authorise the transaction.

Please note: if you have exceeded your daily transaction limit of $500 or 20 transactions, you may receive a DECLINE notice on the contactless reader. Please simply insert your card into the terminal, and you will be able to enter a PIN and transact as normal.

  Will I receive a receipt for transactions I make?

A Visa payWave payment is designed to let you make low-value transactions easily and conveniently. The retailer will ask if you require a receipt. If you do not require a receipt, please advise the retailer and a receipt will not be given. For purchases over $100 ($200 during COVID-19) a PIN is required and a receipt will be provided.

  How do I know when a payment has been made?

Your transaction is confirmed by illumination of four green indicator lights and a display message confirming that your transaction has been successful.

  Could I unknowingly have made a purchase if I walk past the reader?

Your card has to be waved within 4 centimetres of the card reader for more than a second and the retailer must have first entered the amount for you to approve. Terminals can only process one payment transaction at a time, therefore reducing transaction errors.

  Which retailers will accept my card?

Your card will be accepted for Visa payWave transactions wherever you see the contactless symbol and Visa logo at the point of sale in Australia or around the world.

You can still use your Visa payWave card for traditional transactions at millions of locations worldwide wherever you see the Visa sign, including over the Internet, telephone or via mail order.

  Can I use my card at retailers that do not have Visa payWave terminals?

The card's chip and magnetic strip also allow the card to be used in the same way as a traditional Visa card, wherever Visa is accepted using a PIN.

  What card types will have Visa payWave capabilities?

Visa payWave capabilities can be incorporated on any Visa card – credit, debit or prepaid. It is anticipated that Visa payWave will soon become a standard feature on many Visa cards.

  Do I need to select credit, savings or cheque buttons when I make a transaction?

No. With Visa payWave the transaction is automatically routed through the credit button, whether you're making the purchase on a Visa credit, debit or prepaid card. So there's no need to press any buttons. The transaction will automatically be routed to the transaction account or line of credit linked to your card.

  Can I get cash out with a Visa payWave card?

Yes. You can get cash out simply by swiping or dipping your card in the standard way.

  Can I choose not to have a payWave card?

All new and renewal Visa Debit cards issued from February 2015 will be automatically upgraded to payWave. If you prefer not to use the payWave functionality, you can still choose to ‘swipe or dip’ your card using a PIN even if a payWave contactless terminal is available.


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