Can I get cash back using tap to pay?

Cash Back and Tap to Pay: A Contactless Conundrum

The rise of contactless payments, symbolized by the ubiquitous “tap to pay,” has revolutionized how we spend money. Convenience is king, and the ability to quickly and securely pay with a simple tap of your debit card is undeniably appealing. But what about rewards? Specifically, can you still earn cash back when using tap to pay?

The short answer is: generally, yes. Most contactless debit cards that offer cash back rewards programs will continue to accrue those rewards when used via tap to pay. The transaction is processed in the same way, just without the physical insertion of the card. Your bank or credit union’s rewards program shouldn’t differentiate between a tap and a traditional swipe or insertion.

However, there’s a crucial caveat to consider. While your card can earn cash back via tap, the merchant’s system might not always support it. Some older point-of-sale (POS) systems may still require you to insert your card, even if your card and the terminal support contactless payments. This isn’t a reflection on your cash back program; it’s simply a limitation of the merchant’s technology.

In these instances, you’ll need to insert your card to complete the transaction. While inconvenient, it won’t prevent you from earning your cash back rewards, provided your card and the merchant’s system ultimately process the transaction successfully. Always check your transaction history to ensure the cash back has been credited.

To maximize your chances of using tap to pay and earning cash back:

• Check your card’s capabilities: Ensure your debit card explicitly supports contactless payments and cash back rewards.
• Be aware of merchant limitations: While tap to pay is becoming increasingly common, some smaller businesses or those with older systems may not yet offer this option.
• Don’t be afraid to ask: If the terminal doesn’t appear to support contactless payments, politely inquire with the cashier whether tap is possible. They might be unaware of the capabilities of their system.
• Monitor your account: Regularly check your transaction history to verify that cash back rewards are correctly credited to your account.

In conclusion, while tap to pay offers a seamless and convenient payment method, remember that merchant infrastructure can still influence the process. However, the ability to earn cash back using contactless payments remains largely intact. Just be prepared for the occasional necessity of inserting your card for those older systems. The convenience of contactless payment shouldn’t come at the cost of missing out on your well-deserved rewards.