Consumer Questions — What is PayPass? What is MasterCard PayPass? How is it different from other MasterCard cards? The MasterCard PayPass card has built-in chip technology as well as a standard magnetic stripe. This enables the card to be used in the traditional manner at all MasterCard acceptance locations (over 30 million locations) by swiping the magnetic stripe. However, at PayPass-accepting retail locations, the cardholder can pay with one simple touch of the card. No swipe of the card or signature is required for most transactions under $25.
How does the PayPass technology work? A MasterCard card enhanced with PayPass contains a chip and a tiny antenna inside the card. The card and specially equipped PayPass terminals communicate payment card details using very short range radio waves, to make the transaction process simpler and quicker for all. This type of wireless payment is ideal for merchant locations where speed is essential, such as fast food restaurants, gas stations, convenience stores, toll roads, mass transit, vending machines, etc.
Where can I use the MasterCard PayPass card? The MasterCard PayPass card may be used in the traditional manner (i.e., swiping the magnetic stripe) anywhere that MasterCard cards are accepted worldwide. The PayPass feature is used only at merchants that are equipped to accept payments using PayPass technology. To see a complete listing of these merchants, please visit our "PayPass Merchant Locations" page. Additional PayPass merchant locations are being added every month.
Is the information on my MasterCard PayPass card private/confidential? Yes. The chip within your MasterCard PayPass card has the same information as that on the magnetic strip of your card. Current MasterCard and Issuer privacy and confidentiality rules apply as per your current cardholder agreement.
Why aren't signatures required? MasterCard has special rules for certain merchants that are included in what we call our "Quick Payment Service program." This means that some merchants will not require you to sign for a transaction. This QPS program is intended to help speed the payment process at merchants such as fast food restaurants, movie theaters, etc.
What is the advantage of using this card versus cash or other credit or debit cards at the merchants you listed? The MasterCard PayPass card allows you to make purchases at participating PayPass merchants with one simple touch of your card. At some locations, you won't even need to hand over your card to the merchant, or take the time to count your cash—in short, PayPass simplifies the payment process. The contactless, quick-pay environment enables you to check out faster, while providing similar levels of security. In the end, PayPass is more convenient to use than cash and will speed you through lines faster. For non-PayPass merchants, you can use your card in the traditional manner anywhere MasterCard is accepted.
How can I get a card? Currently, MasterCard PayPass cards are being offered on a limited basis to existing cardholders of Chase, Citibank and MBNA who reside in Orlando, Florida. Orlando residents interested in obtaining a MasterCard PayPass card from MBNA may apply online by clicking here. Other consumers should contact their issuers in the future to discuss their plans for offering PayPass.
Consumer Questions — For PayPass Cardholders Why did I receive a MasterCard PayPass card? MasterCard, along with three of its issuing banks, Chase, Citibank and MBNA, is conducting a test in the Orlando area of the new payment technology known as PayPass. You have been selected by your card issuer as one of the first to receive a PayPass card and use the newest card payment technology.
Does my new, enhanced card have the same account number and credit line as my current card? Yes. Everything about your current account has stayed the same. The only change is that the card you carry has been upgraded to include the new PayPass functionality. This free enhancement to your existing MasterCard will enable you to make quick, one-touch payments at select merchant locations throughout Orlando.
If I do not want to use PayPass, can I use my card in the traditional way, using the information carried on its magnetic stripe? Yes. Your card can be used in the traditional manner anywhere MasterCard is accepted, including those locations where the PayPass feature can be used.
Consumer Questions — Using MasterCard PayPass How do I use the PayPass feature on this card? You can use it wherever you see a PayPass terminal. Simply tap, touch or place your PayPass card on the PayPass reader when the merchant asks for payment—no swiping or inserting of your card is needed. Four green lights will illuminate to signal that your card has been successfully read. Within seconds, the transaction will be authorized and that’s it, you're done! Also, no signature is required for most purchases under $25—making this the simpler way to pay.
How far away from the reader do I have to be? Typically, your PayPass card must be within a few centimeters (1 inch) of the PayPass reader to be read. If there are two PayPass cards in your wallet, the card you wish to use will need to be removed and presented to the PayPass reader.
Do I have to treat it in any special way? Treat your PayPass card as you would any payment card.
Do I need to turn it on/off? Is there a battery? There is no battery in the card. Therefore, you do not need to turn it on or off.
How do I know what is being charged to my PayPass card, without a receipt? When you check out, the cashier should tell you what the purchase amount is and allow you to see the amount on their terminal. When you present your PayPass card to the terminal, you will see a series of lights on the terminal. When all the lights have lit, you will know that your card has been properly read. If you want a receipt, simply ask the clerk to give you one—it is available, should you request it.
Can PayPass cards from different banks talk to each other? No. Cards cannot "talk" to each other. Communication can only occur between a PayPass card and specially equipped PayPass readers. Also, two cards cannot simultaneously communicate account information to a PayPass reader. Should you have two PayPass cards in your wallet, you will need to remove the card you wish to use and present it to the PayPass reader.
Merchant Questions
How can I get set up for MasterCard PayPass at my stores? Contact your card service provider for details.
Are there any hardware or software changes needed to support MasterCard PayPass? There are several hardware solutions already available. Some utilize a special reader that is added to your existing card processing device. Others come fully integrated into new card processing devices. There is little or no software modification required. Again, for information contact your card service provider.
How can I participate in MasterCard's "Quick Payment Service"? Your card service provider can provide you with more details on this program, too.
I'd like to begin accepting MasterCard cards as well as PayPass cards. How can I get started? For information on the benefits of accepting MasterCard cards and referrals to card service providers, visit mastercardmerchant.com.
Media Questions
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