Chip, tap, PIN, or online — modern cards offer several ways to pay. Here is how each one works and when to reach for it.
Your card can pay in more than one way, and each method has its place. Knowing them makes checkout faster and safer.
Chip and PIN
Insert the card, leave it in the reader, and enter your four-digit PIN. The chip creates a unique code for every transaction, which is far harder to clone than the old magnetic stripe. Use it for larger purchases and anywhere contactless is not available.
Contactless tap
Hold the card within a few centimetres of the terminal until it beeps. It is quick and ideal for small everyday amounts. Most countries cap contactless payments, and you will occasionally be asked for your PIN as a security check.
Mobile wallets
Adding your card to a phone wallet replaces the real card number with a secure token. That means the merchant never sees your actual card details, and each payment is confirmed with your fingerprint, face, or passcode.
Online payments
Enter the card number, expiry date, and the security code from the back. Reputable checkouts add an extra verification step from your bank. Only ever type these details into sites you trust — more on that in our online safety guide.