{"id":20249,"date":"2020-01-29T16:07:15","date_gmt":"2020-01-29T16:07:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.arimetrics.com\/glosario-digital\/contactless"},"modified":"2026-05-11T22:35:05","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T22:35:05","slug":"contactless","status":"publish","type":"encyclopedia","link":"https:\/\/www.arimetrics.com\/en\/digital-glossary\/contactless","title":{"rendered":"Contactless"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Contactless\"<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Definition:<\/strong><\/p>\n


\nContactless <\/strong><\/em>is the term applied to technology that allows ‘contactless’ operations to be carried out using a communication system called NFC (‘near field communications’). It is mainly used with credit cards, but there are more and more plastic devices that support this technology, such as mobile phones<\/a>, smart watches or key chains.<\/p>\n

Contactless systems have been developed mainly for card payments<\/strong> and already account for 57% of their volume in Spain (according to Mastercard data). However, it is also a frequent method in access controls to buildings, public transport, etc.<\/p>\n\n

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How contactless cards work<\/h2>\n

For the wireless system to work properly, there must be at least two devices that have NFC technology,<\/strong>usually a card and a terminal. This technology consists of a very thin antenna inserted inside the card and that is not visible to the naked eye. It is detected by pos terminals (or dataphones) at the time of payment. The only requirement is that both are a few centimeters apart (between 3 and 5), without the need for direct contact.<\/p>\n

They allow you to make payments in shops and restaurants without marking the PIN code, so their security generates some doubts. In Spain, the maximum amount that is allowed to be paid without a security number is only 20 euros, although the user can modify this amount.<\/p>\n

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Cards that have a contactless system are identified with a symbol similar to waves. The fact that they have this technology does not mean that they cannot be used using the traditional magnetic stripe if necessary.<\/p>\n

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Advantages of contactless cards<\/h2>\n

The speed.<\/em> It is, without a doubt, the main advantage of this payment system. The ability to complete a transaction in just a few seconds streamlines in-store operations and saves the user time.<\/p>\n

Comfort.<\/em> More and more users are opting not to carry credit or debit cards and prefer to use, for example, their smartwatch. This is especially useful when traveling abroad.<\/p>\n

How to protect your contactless card<\/h2>\n

To avoid the risk of theft through contactless payment cards, the user can implement a series of tips:<\/p>\n

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  • Use an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) case.<\/strong> Contactless cards are derived from RFID technology, stickers that transmit information. The protector blocks radio frequencies and limits the action of the readers, thus preventing theft. They are made of different materials, such as metal and paper, and prepared to avoid demagnetization of the card. Its price is usually less than 10 euros.<\/li>\n
  • Deactivate the card when not in use and reactivate it when necessary.<\/strong> There are banking applications that offer this possibility, very practical when traveling.<\/li>\n
  • Hire a mobile alert<\/strong> system to know at all times the movements made with the card.<\/li>\n
  • Configure the payment method to always require the PIN number,<\/strong>even when the transaction is less than 20 euros. In this way, security is increased, but part of the agility that characterizes wireless cards is lost.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
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    Frequently asked questions about Contactless<\/h2>\n
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    \nWhat does Contactless mean in digital marketing?<\/summary>\n

    Contactless refers to the concept described in this glossary entry: Definition: Contactless is the term applied to technology that allows 'contactless' operations to be carried out using a communication system called NFC ('near field communications'). Contactless systems have been developed mainly for card payments and already account for 57% of their volume in Spain (according to Mastercard data). It gives teams a shared vocabulary for analysing digital projects.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

    \nWhen should teams pay attention to Contactless?<\/summary>\n

    Teams should review Contactless when it affects acquisition, measurement, user experience, content, automation or campaign performance. The important step is to connect the definition with a real decision.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

    \nHow is Contactless used in a digital strategy?<\/summary>\n

    Contactless is used by translating the concept into practical checks: where it appears in the funnel, which data or channel is involved and whether it needs optimisation, monitoring or documentation.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

    \nWhat is a common mistake when interpreting Contactless?<\/summary>\n

    A common mistake is using Contactless too broadly. It is better to verify the context, the tool or the metric involved before making strategic or technical conclusions.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n