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1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Do I have to treat it in any special way?
Treat your PayPass card as you would any payment card.
7. 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.
