Credit cards have evolved significantly over the years. Today, they offer a number of convenient and new-age features that make payments quick, simple and easy. One such feature is contactless payments, which is particularly relevant in the post-pandemic era. RBL Bank credit cards like the Platinum Plus SuperCard and ICICI Bank credit cards like the Coral Contactless Card are some popular examples of cards in this category.
It is crucial to learn how to keep your funds safe and secure while using contactless credit cards like the ICICI or the RBL credit card. However, the first step to doing this is to understand what contactless credit cards are and how they work.
What are Contactless Credit Cards?
As the name indicates, contactless credit cards facilitate contactless payments, where you do not have to physically swipe the card or insert it into a PoS machine. You simply need to hold the card near the machine, and the card details will be read instantly. The payment will then be processed in a quick and hassle-free manner.
These credit cards make use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and near-field communication (NFC) technology to process payments. They emit short-range electromagnetic waves that transmit your credit card information to the PoS machine. This allows you to simply tap and pay for your purchases.
The Risk Associated with Contactless Credit Cards
Contactless RBL credit cards and cards from other leading banks undoubtedly make it much easier to pay for your purchases swiftly. However, these cards also carry a significant risk of payment frauds. By using an NFC reader or other machines that can capture the information on your RBL Bank credit card, fraudsters can gain access to your card details easily.
All they need to do is bring such a machine within the right distance of your credit card. Many fraudsters use this technique to read credit card information from people’s wallets. This is why it is imperative to take the measures necessary to keep your credit card details safe.
Tips to Use Your Contactless Credit Cards Safely
Despite the risk outlined above, there are many ways in which you can safely use contactless payments like the RBL Bank credit card. Here are some such tips that can help.
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Invest in an RFID-Blocking Wallet
Even if you are aware of where your credit cards are round the clock, a fraudster with an NFC reader can get close enough to read your card details. An RFID-blocking wallet can be an excellent solution to this issue. These wallets block the electromagnetic waves between the RFID chip in your card and the card reader.
As a result, fraudsters will be unable to read your credit card information even if they are within the required range. This will help you put your worries about credit card thefts to rest and help you use your card in a safe and secure manner.
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Set Transaction Alerts
If you have not already enabled transaction alerts on your credit card, it is best to activate this feature right away. You can then remain updated about each transaction made using your contactless credit card. In case of any unauthorised or suspicious activity, you can contact your bank right away and block your card promptly to prevent any further misuse.
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Use Strong Passwords
You may need to enter a PIN to validate your credit card transactions. Ensure that you use a strong password for this purpose. Ideally, the PIN should not be something that is easy to guess, nor something that you typically use as a part of your password in other accounts. This will make it more challenging for fraudsters to decipher.
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Make Use of Secure Wi-Fi Networks Only
Public Wi-Fi systems, while generally safe, can sometimes be easier to hack into. So, if you are using your card details online or elsewhere, ensure that you only log into secure and trusted Wi-Fi networks. This is another essential tip to keep your credit card information safe and to use your contactless credit card safely.
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Monitor Your Transactions Periodically
Even if you take all the steps outlined above, it is also important to periodically go through your credit card statement and monitor your transactions. Look for any suspicious activity, no matter how small the transaction amount. Also, if you are not sure about certain transactions, get in touch with your bank and have the query clarified. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Conclusion
This sums up how you can securely use a contactless credit card. So, if you own cards in this category, like the popular RBL credit cards or ICICI credit cards mentioned earlier, ensure that you keep these pointers in mind. That way, you can protect your funds and keep your money safe, while continuing to enjoy the convenience offered by these cards without any hassle.
