In a world where convenience is king, contactless payments have become a game changer. With more than 440 million contactless cards in use across 9 million locations worldwide, paying with a simple tap is faster and more efficient than ever before. This technology, powered by embedded chips and RFID antennas, enables secure transactions with just a tap of your card or phone—no need to swipe, dip, or enter a PIN.
Despite its rapid adoption, many people still have concerns about the security of contactless payments. The idea of transmitting personal information wirelessly raises questions: Is it safe? Could my data be compromised? While these concerns are understandable, contactless payments are equipped with robust security measures designed to protect your financial information.
In this blog, we’ll break down the most common myths about contactless payments and reveal the facts behind the technology, so you can confidently embrace the future of secure, tap-to-pay transactions
Myth: It’s easy to get charged twice with contactless.
Fact: Payment terminals are smart. They process only one payment per tap, and you need to remove the card or phone before the next tap works.
Myth: There’s no way to track contactless transactions.
Fact: Every tap leaves a digital record. You can see all your transactions on your bank app or wallet, just like any other payment.
Myth: Merchants need expensive machines to accept contactless.
Fact: Not anymore. Smart POS systems and even Tap-on-Phone apps let businesses accept payments with just a smartphone. Affordable and flexible!
Myth: You can accidentally pay while standing near the terminal.
Fact: Nope. Terminals need intentional, close, and direct taps — plus, most merchants prompt the amount before activating payment.
Myth: All contactless payments are done through mobile apps only.
Fact: Not true! Contactless works through debit/credit cards, smartwatches, wristbands, keychains, and even rings — not just mobile wallets.
Myth: You can't use contactless for refunds or returns.
Fact: Absolutely you can! Merchants can process refunds back to the same contactless method — just like a regular card payment.
Myth: Contactless payments charge hidden fees
Fact: For customers, contactless payments cost the same as regular card payments — no extra or hidden fees involved.
Myth: You can’t split a bill with contactless.
Fact: You totally can! Many POS systems let you split bills and accept multiple contactless payments in one go — tap by tap.
Myth: Using contactless payments too much can negatively affect your credit score.
Fact: Using contactless payments does not impact your credit score. The way you manage your payments (timely payment of balances, responsible spending) affects your credit score, not the payment method.
Myth: You can only use contactless payments with your own bank’s card or account.
Fact: You can use contactless payments with cards and accounts from various banks and financial institutions. Whether it’s a Visa, Mastercard, or other networks, many banks support this feature, and it’s compatible with multiple devices like smartphones and smartwatches.
In the UAE, the way people pay is changing fast — and it’s making a big difference for businesses. Contactless payments, once seen as just a modern feature, are now a key part of daily life.
According to recent reports, over 80% of consumers in the UAE now prefer contactless payments including NFC (Near Field Communication) payments — over cash or even chip-and-PIN methods. That’s a big number, and it shows how much trust and comfort people have developed in just a few years.
From restaurants and cafés to retail stores and delivery services, contactless payment options are helping businesses speed up service, reduce queues, and give customers a smoother, safer experience. In fact, businesses that adopted contactless early have seen up to 30% faster checkouts compared to traditional methods.
Not only is it fast and secure, but it also meets the growing demand for touch-free transactions, something that’s especially important in today’s health-conscious world.
More importantly, the UAE government continues to support digital transformation, pushing businesses towards smarter, faster ways to accept payments.
The myths surrounding contactless payments might have caused some confusion, but the facts are clear: these payments are not only convenient but also secure and efficient. As technology continues to evolve, contactless payments are quickly becoming the preferred method for many consumers around the world, including here in the UAE.
The shift towards contactless payment methods is reshaping how we interact with money. For businesses, adopting these payment solutions means faster transactions, less hassle at checkout, and an overall better customer experience. For consumers, it’s all about convenience and peace of mind, knowing that their transactions are safe and quick.
As more people embrace contactless payments, the myths will continue to fade, and the facts will shine through. So, whether you're a business owner or a shopper, there’s no denying that contactless payments are a step forward in the way we handle money — simple, secure, and ready for the future.
Let’s tap into the future of payments and enjoy the simplicity it brings! Want to learn more about how your business can benefit from tap-to-phone technology? Discover more here!
