All LLCU Members recently received a new debit card from us, you may have noticed the small wave-like symbol on the front. This indicates that your card is equipped with Tap to Pay (also called “contactless”) technology. We want to reassure our members that this payment method is actually one of the safest and most convenient ways to use your card—and it’s designed to protect you better than older magnetic stripe or even traditional chip transactions.
Why Tap to Pay is More Secure
Security has always been at the heart of how debit and credit cards are designed. Tap to Pay takes that protection a step further:
Unique, One-Time Codes: Each tap-to-pay purchase generates its own encrypted transaction code. Your actual card number is never shared with the merchant. Even if a criminal intercepted the code, it would be useless after that single transaction.
Your Card Never Leaves Your Hand: With swiping or inserting, you place your card into a machine, and sometimes out of your line of sight. With tap to pay, your card stays securely in your possession at all times, eliminating the risk of a skimmer reading the magnetic stripe.
Built on EMV Chip Technology: Contactless cards use the same underlying security as chip cards, which are extremely difficult to counterfeit. The “tap” feature simply makes it faster and more convenient.
Common Concerns: Myths vs. Reality
As with any new technology, there are a few misconceptions about Tap to Pay. Here’s what you should know:
“Can someone steal money just by walking past me with a reader?”
Very unlikely. Your card must be only a couple of centimeters from a secure terminal to work, and most transactions require additional security checks for larger purchases.
“Are skimmers still a problem?”
Skimmers are small devices criminals attach to traditional card readers to steal data from swipes or chip inserts. Since Tap to Pay doesn’t use the stripe or the chip slot, these types of attacks are significantly reduced when you use contactless.
“Is Tap to Pay less safe than a chip insert?”
No, Tap to Pay is actually equally or more secure. Both methods use encrypted EMV technology, but contactless keeps your card in your possession, which helps avoid physical tampering.
Staying Aware of Scams
While Tap to Pay reduces certain risks, no card is completely immune to fraud attempts. The biggest threats today don’t come from the payment technology itself, but from scams and tricks that target cardholders directly:
Phishing Messages: Fraudsters may send emails, texts, or calls pretending to be LLCU or a retailer. They’ll try to get you to reveal your PIN, passwords, or other private information. Remember, we will never ask you for this information.
Skimmers at Non-Tap Terminals: If you need to swipe or insert, check the machine. Loose parts, mismatched colors, or bulky attachments could signal a skimmer.
Lost or Stolen Cards: Just like with any payment card, if yours is misplaced, report it to us right away so we can protect your account.
Tips for Using Tap to Pay Safely
- Use contactless whenever available. It’s fast, secure, and avoids unnecessary contact with terminals. Look for the matching wave symbol on the checkout terminal or if it lists "tap" as a payment option.
- Enable transaction alerts. Most members can set up push notifications, texts, or emails for card activity. Enroll in LLCU Online Banking and login to your account. Click "Settings", go to "Security Center", and select "Account and Security Alerts". There you can create alerts for credit and debit transactions above or below set amounts.
- Monitor your accounts. Regularly check your online or mobile banking for unfamiliar transactions.
- Contact us immediately if you suspect fraud. The sooner we know, the quicker we can protect your funds. To report fraud on your LLCU Debit Card, call 1-800-472-3272.
Your new Tap to Pay card is more secure than older cards, not less. With unique encryption, reduced exposure to skimmers, and the convenience of keeping your card in hand, Tap to Pay is a safer way to make everyday purchases. By staying alert to scams and using the security tools available through your credit union, you can feel confident knowing your money is well protected.