A swifter checkout line
Visa payWave uses an embedded computer chip to send payment information to a secure reader at the point of sale. Users may wave their card or device within 2.5-5 cm (1-2 in) of the reader to make payments.
The Visa payWave experience
How it works
Visa payWave’s contactless payment technology lets users pay with just a wave of their card or device.
One wave
Seamless capture
Efficiency can result in shorter lines
Upgrade your POS terminals to accept Visa payWave transactions from leading mobile payment solutions.
Apple Pay
Android Pay
Samsung Pay
How to accept Visa payWave
There are two ways to start accepting Visa payWave transactions:
- Install integrated terminals that include the Visa-enabled reader.
- Add a peripheral Visa-enabled reader to your existing POS terminal.
Benefits
Faster and more convenient electronic payments.
- Visa payWave’s speed, convenience and security can help boost loyalty while reducing abandonment.
- No signature is required for most transactions under US$25, for added convenience.
- Customers, on average, spend more than twice as much with Visa purchases as they do with cash payments. While the average US cash transaction is US$17, credit card purchases average US$66.1
- Improved efficiency moves checkout lines more quickly, and employees handle less cash, which in turn can lead to savings.
- Enhanced security and reduced risk of fraud.
1 Source: Visa Payment Panel Study (2Q11 – 1Q12). Visa Payment Panel Study was commissioned by Visa and has been conducted continuously since 1991 by independent research firm TNS among 20,000 respondents annually, aged 18+, and who own at least one payment card.
Q + A
Want to know more? Select any of the questions below for more detail.
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Visa payWave is a payment feature that lets customers use their enabled Visa cards or mobile device at the point of sale (POS). The customer simply waves his card or mobile device in front of the secure reader at checkout, instead of swiping it or handing it to a cashier.
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Visa payWave will help support future advances in mobile-based payments. Your customers won’t need to fumble for cash and coins, which can increase checkout speed and reduce lines. Additionally, most transactions under US$25 at participating merchants do not require a signature, speeding up the payment process.
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Visa payWave offers the same security protection that you have today with traditional Visa payment products.
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Yes. Visa payWave utilises multiple layers of security to protect transactions, including cryptography and secure network processing. Customers also benefit from Zero Liability for all unauthorised purchases made with their Visa payWave card or mobile device. Additionally, the card never leaves the customer’s hand during checkout, which provides added cardholder control and security at the point of sale.
Visa’s Zero Liability policy covers US-issued cards and does not apply to certain commercial card transactions or any transactions not processed by Visa. You must notify your financial institution immediately of any unauthorised use. For specific restrictions, limitations and other details, please consult your issuer.
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Cards with Visa payWave need to be waved within 2.5 cm (1 in) of the secure reader and correctly oriented in order to be read. Only the secure readers at authorised merchants can process the information on Visa cards and devices with Visa payWave.
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Yes. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express will all offer solutions that support the same standard for Radio Frequency (RF) cards-ISO 14443 A/B. Note that full specifications will differ across payment brands. To learn more about Visa payWave specifications, please contact your Account Executive or your acquirer.
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To deploy peripheral contactless readers (PCRs) that plug into your existing conventional POS terminals, the payment application in your existing terminal must be modified to interface with the PCR. To learn more about specialty terminals, contact your Account Executive or acquirer.