Time To Get A Contactless Business Credit Card? Here’s How To Get Your Own Tap-To-Pay Card

Contactless payment lets you tap your credit card to the payment terminal instead of swiping the card or sticking its chip into a reader. Because contactless cards keep you from touching shared surfaces, contactless payments are both faster and cleaner.

Especially in a world still dealing with a pandemic, contactless payments are becoming popular. According to a Mastercard survey, 82% of cardholders say they feel contactless is a safer way to pay. A CNBC study shows up to 85% of consumers use contactless cards for transactions. Companies are buying into contactless payments, too.

“Contactless offers consumers a safer, cleaner way to pay, greater speed at checkout, and more control over physical proximity at this critical time,” said the Head of Mastercard Acceptance Solutions, Blake Rosenthal, in response to the above-mentioned Mastercard survey.

Is your business credit card enabled for contactless use? Want to know which issuers offer contactless credit cards? Keep reading for the answers!

How To Check If Your Credit Card Is Contactless-Enabled

Just look for a four-bar symbol that resembles a Wi-Fi logo to determine if your card can be used for contactless payment or tap-to-pay. Here’s an example of what the symbol looks like on a credit card (to the left of the Visa logo):

If your card doesn’t have this symbol, it probably isn’t enabled for contactless use. In that case, you’ll need to reach out to your issuer to request a contactless card. In the next section, we’ve outlined methods for requesting contactless cards from popular issuers.

Note that not all merchants are set up to receive contactless credit cards. You’ll need to look for the wave symbol on the payment terminal when out shopping before you attempt to tap your card. If a payment terminal doesn’t have the symbol, you’ll have to swipe or insert the card instead.

Once you’ve confirmed that you have a contactless-enabled card and the merchant you’re shopping at accepts contactless payments, simply hold your card up to the payment terminal. You just need to wait for a second or two for payment confirmation, which is usually displayed via either a beep or checkmark on the terminal screen, and then you’re good to go!

Issuers With Contactless Business Credit Cards

Most major credit card companies offer the option of contactless credit cards. Here’s a look at a few of the bigger issuers that offer contactless business credit cards, along with information about how you can get set up with one:

American Express

All of American Express’s small business credit cards are contactless-enabled, including these Amex business cards:

• Blue Business Cash
• Blue Business Plus
• Business Gold Card
• Business Green Card
• Business Platinum Card
• Business Plum Card

If you apply for any of the above cards and are approved, Amex will ship you a contactless version of the card. If you currently have an Amex card that isn’t contactless-enabled, the company will send you a new contactless-enabled Card on your next renewal date. You’ll also receive a contactless card if your current one becomes lost or stolen.

If you want a contactless card now, Amex suggests visiting its website or the Amex Mobile app to request a new card that is contactless-enabled.

Bank of America

All new Bank of America credit cards are enabled for contactless payment, including these business cards:

• Bank of America Platinum Visa Business Card
• Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard
• Bank of America Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard

According to Bank of America, any time a new card is mailed, it will have contactless capabilities. If you have an older card that lacks this function and you’d like to replace it, you can request a replacement online or by calling the Bank of America customer service number.

Capital One

Capital One began adding contactless capabilities to its credit card line in 2017, and the company says it is continuing to add contactless options to its line. However, at this time, the company does not advertise which current products offer contactless options. We can only confirm that the new Capital One Quicksilver features contactless payment capabilities.

If you find yourself with a Capital One credit card that isn’t contactless-enabled, we recommend calling the number on the back of your card to find out if replacing the card is an option. If you are in the market for a Capital One card, try contacting customer service to find out if the credit card you’re interested in offers contactless options.

Chase

Numerous Chase-issued credit cards have received a contactless facelift, with more than 20 of the company’s cards now including the feature. At this time, Chase contactless business cards include:

• Ink Business Unlimited
• Ink Business Preferred
• Ink Business Cash
• United Business Card

Chase maintains a list of all its contactless cards on its website, including some travel-specific cards in addition to these business cards. If you want to replace a Chase credit card in your wallet that isn’t contactless-enabled, visit Chase’s card replacement page.

Citi

Citi currently offers two business-specific credit cards with contactless payment options:

• CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard
• Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card

If you have a Citi-issued credit card without contactless technology support, we suggest that you dial the number on the back of your card. Once you reach customer service, ask if you can have the card replaced with a contactless-enabled version.

Other Tap-To-Pay Options

If your current credit card isn’t contactless-enabled, you may still be able to take advantage of contactless technology when checking out. Both Android and iOS have their own solutions utilizing NFC technology (near field communication) for mobile phone users. Let’s take a look at what they are:

Apple Pay

Apple Pay allows users to attach an eligible credit card to the Wallet app on their iPhone. Once set up, you’ll be able to pay for purchases using your iPhone or Apple Watch at merchants who accept contactless payments.

Visit Apple’s website for more information on Apple Pay, including how to set it up with your credit card.

Google Pay

Similar to Apple Pay, you can add an eligible credit card to the Google Pay app on your compatible Android phone. Once you’re all squared away, you can use your NFC-equipped phone (or compatible smartwatch) to place payments at the checkout counter of merchants who are set up for contactless payments.

For a deeper dive into Google Pay, visit Google’s website.

Stay Safe While Paying For Business Expenses

Contactless cards offer a simple and safe way to pay for purchases during the coronavirus pandemic. By ensuring that your wallet contains contactless-enabled credit cards, you’ll help keep both yourself and others at lower levels of risk throughout this turbulent time. Plus, you may find that paying with just a tap is both easier and faster than more traditional methods.