Last edit by: storewanderer
Older (archived) threads: 2014-16
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FAQ- What is EMV contactless?
EMV contactless is a form of contactless/NFC that uses the same security and encryption that is used when inserting a chip card into an EMV-enabled terminal. Other than not having to sign/enter a PIN for smaller transactions, the security is effectively the same as chip and PIN/chip and signature.
In contrast, MSD contactless is an older version that is designed just and only for the United States. This effectively uses much the same flow as a swiped card transaction with the same rules.
- What is CDCVM?
CDCVM stands for Consumer Device Cardholder Verification Method. It's a method of telling the terminal that the customer verified their identity using their mobile device. Terminals that support it will waive the signature/PIN requirement typically in place for larger transactions, potentially saving time at checkout.
More info: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202527
- Does EMV contactless need to be supported to support CDCVM?
Typically, yes. (However, there are some exceptions below.)
- Why can't I tap my foreign-issued contactless card at most places in the US?
This is likely because the store does not support EMV contactless. Foreign issued contactless cards typically do not support MSD contactless since other markets have had EMV for quite some time. In contrast, most stores in the US have yet to get the necessary certifications/software for EMV contactless so they are typically MSD-only--if contactless is enabled at all. (See below for a list of stores where your card will likely work.)
- I paid for a purchase with Apple/Android/Samsung Pay and still had to sign for it.
Most likely, the store in question does not have EMV contactless enabled (see above question). However, there are instances where CDCVM does not work even with EMV contactless enabled. Restaurants that allow tip adjust, for example--where the tip amount is written on a paper receipt and entered by the staff later--cannot support CDCVM. It may simply be a matter of the merchant's processor or the POS software in use not supporting it too.
Another common reason is if you used a US-issued AmEx card with a mobile wallet. AmEx currently does not allow EMV contactless support in mobile wallets for these cards, so they always run as MSD contactless. Because of this, CDCVM is not supported (with very few exceptions, as noted below).
Note: if you used Samsung Pay, you may have paid with MST instead of NFC. Since MST emulates the magnetic pulses that the terminal receives when swiping a regular card, the normal magstripe rules apply.
- How can I tell whether EMV contactless was used?
An easy way to tell if you have Apple Pay is to pay with a Visa or MC while in airplane mode. Wallet will then show a transaction amount next to "Payment" for the card that was used. Alternatively, EMV-related information will typically print on the receipt (AID, etc.) if EMV contactless was used.
(Non-exhaustive) list of EMV contactless supporting merchants in the US:
- 7-Eleven
- 99 Ranch
- Albertsons (Safeway, Vons, Pak N Save, Jewel, Acme, Shaws, Star, Carrs, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Haggen, Eagle, Lucky UT/SoCal)
- Apple Store*†
- Athleta
- Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
- Banana Republic
- Costco Wholesale
- CVS
- DuaneReade*
- El Pollo Loco
- EG Group US (Quik Stop, Kwik Shop, Tom Thumb, Turkey Hill) Note: cashier must press "Electronic Payment" to activate NFC
- Five Below*
- Five Guys
- GAP
- Grocery Outlet*
- Harmon's Grocery
- H&M*
- Jolibee
- Kohl's*
- Lush Cosmetics*
- Maverik
- McDonald's*
- Meijer
- Old Navy
- Panera Bread
- PetSmart
- Ray's Food Place
- Round Table Pizza
- Royal Farms
- Red Ribbon Bakeshop
- Sheetz
- Sherm's Thunderbird Discount Markets Inc.*
- Sprouts
- Staples*
- Starbucks*
- Subway
- Walgreens*
- Weis Markets
- All businesses that use Square and support contactless*
- All businesses that use Clover and support EMV†**
- All businesses that use First Data standalone terminals (e.g. FD100+FD35, FD130) with EMV enabled**
* CDCVM support confirmed
** CDCVM support depends on store/restaurant
† CDCVM supported in MSD mode
USA contactless credit/debit/transit (2017 - 2021)
#2341
Join Date: Mar 2017
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You cannot, as a merchant, discriminate against payment networks, methods, etc. when imposing surcharges.
#2342
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That's all.
If you complain to the merchant, and the guy doesn't care, why would you want to go back after he removes the surcharge? It would still be an unfriendly place.
#2343
Join Date: Oct 2014
Programs: Skymiles
Posts: 3,251
I just think the cops have better/more important things to worry about than a merchant that seems to be consumer-unfriendly.
That's all.
If you complain to the merchant, and the guy doesn't care, why would you want to go back after he removes the surcharge? It would still be an unfriendly place.
That's all.
If you complain to the merchant, and the guy doesn't care, why would you want to go back after he removes the surcharge? It would still be an unfriendly place.
#2345
Join Date: Mar 2017
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I just think the cops have better/more important things to worry about than a merchant that seems to be consumer-unfriendly.
That's all.
If you complain to the merchant, and the guy doesn't care, why would you want to go back after he removes the surcharge? It would still be an unfriendly place.
That's all.
If you complain to the merchant, and the guy doesn't care, why would you want to go back after he removes the surcharge? It would still be an unfriendly place.
Police reports are simple, quick steps, in which then you could mail it to your AG who does make a living dealing with merchants that are unethical. The police report is just proof that you've dealt with the local authorities and reported the law breaking actions have taken place.
#2346
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Actually, I seem to remember reading that NFC will turn itself on when you're in the Samsung Pay app even if it's off elsewhere. It's just that MST gets used most of the time because NFC acceptance isn't as common.
#2347
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Looks like the latest Android Pay update enabled fDDA on Visa cards just like with Apple Pay. Not sure if you'll need to re-add your card though.
#2348
Join Date: Jun 2011
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I had intermittent issues with my AMEX contactless in France and Spain the last couple weeks I travelled. Sometimes it worked, other times it insisted that I insert the card. These were all for smaller purchases <35€. It wouldn't take at all on the transit bus in Spain.
Mastercard contactless worked perfectly every time though
Mastercard contactless worked perfectly every time though
#2349
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 1,592
They do officially accept contactles, and their site makes no mention of a surcharge. It was some oblivious employee who made the tacky sign.
#2350
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I think Five Below is mostly an East Coast retailer; I don't think I've ever seen any on this side of the country, anyway.
#2351
Join Date: Oct 2014
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When I worked at Walmart as a part time cashier, a long long time ago, I had to make my own fair share of tacky signs because you get tired of telling the customers the same thing over and over. I leave the register for the day and never take my signs with me, they stay there for months, sometimes even years long after I had quit.
#2352
Original Poster
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#2353
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#2354
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: SAN
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I had intermittent issues with my AMEX contactless in France and Spain the last couple weeks I travelled. Sometimes it worked, other times it insisted that I insert the card. These were all for smaller purchases <35€. It wouldn't take at all on the transit bus in Spain.
Mastercard contactless worked perfectly every time though
Mastercard contactless worked perfectly every time though
As far as Five Below on the west coast, there's a number in the LA area.
#2355
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