Compare the Best Contactless RFID Credit Card Offers

Unlike more traditional credit cards which require that the magnetic stripe on the back that comes into physical contact with a special reader, contactless cards are just that — contactless. Instead, data is stored on a special chip embedded in the card's plastic. The data is transmitted from the chip to the credit card reader at the checkout counter via a radio wave using a technology called radio frequency identification, or RFID. Contactless cards also still have the magnetic stripe on the back so it is compatible with more traditional payment readers.

Advantages of Contactless Credit Cards:

• More secure: The card never leaves your hand.
• Faster: Just wave it over the machine and go.
• More convenient: No need to authorize transactions less than $25.
• Zero liability: Just like regular cards, contactless credit cardholders are not liable for fraudulent charges.

Contactless credit card payment systems MasterCard PayPass, Visa Contactless, and American ExpressPay are already being rolled out in select locations throughout the United States. While not all card issuers are offering contactless credit cards as of yet, there are a few options. The American Express Blue card now automatically comes with ExpressPay as a built-in feature of the card. American Express also offers contactless key fobs with ExpressPay that can be linked to most existing credit card accounts. Chase offers blink cards as Visa or MasterCard.

For more information regarding contactless credit cards, please read our Contactless Credit Cards Consumer Report 2006 available in PDF or HTML format.

Apply for a Contactless Credit Card Online

In addition to the above contactless credit card offers, you can also opt to sign up for an American ExpressPay key fob. The key fob can easily be linked to most existing credit card accounts.