Mastercard is your choice for cashless payments

Mastercard Tap & Go® is quickly catching on in Kenya. It is a contactless technology that lets you make everyday purchases quickly and safely with just a tap of your contactless-enabled Mastercard. So checkout is easier than ever, and it’s faster than fumbling with cash.

Globally, it has become a popular technology and this method, rather than inserting or swiping your card and entering a PIN, is revolutionary and is safer given the precautions recommended by WHO due to the ongoing pandemic.

Contactless is a viable solution as users only need to “tap”. It is a safer, cleaner, faster way to pay, as well as offering control over human-to-human interaction at this critical time. 

The method of payment is quite simple. Below are the steps when using Mastercard Tap & Go®

1. Make a purchase with any Mastercard at a merchant that has a contactless terminal.
2. Hold your card within 4 cm of the terminal to approve the purchase.
3. Wait for the green light and a beep indicating your purchase has been approved.

In some instances, the technology comes with a caveat. For example, at some outlets, if the purchase is over sh.3,500/=, you’ll be required to enter your PIN after tapping the terminal.

How this technology works and how your purchases are kept secure.

Contactless payments use an embedded computer chip and radio frequency antenna to communicate with the contactless terminal card reader. Each contactless payment generates a unique code so you won’t be charged double for contactless payments if you accidentally tap your card on the reader twice.

Essentially, your card doesn't have to leave your hand.

Where is Tap & Go® accepted?

The technology is being adopted across various outlets. You can find it at retail stores, fast food restaurants, pharmacies, grocery and convenience stores and at transit locations. You’ll even find it available in some taxis and at vending machines.

Is it safe to use Mastercard Tap & Go®?

Contactless payments are just as safe as any other transaction. The following security procedures and policies are in place to make sure your Tap & Go® contactless payments are protected:

1. No accidental payments.
   As you need to hold the card within an inch or so of the terminal, there is little chance that an accidental payment will be made using your card as you walk by a terminal that is enabled to accept contactless payments.
   
   
2. Encryption technology.
   Each purchase generates a unique encryption code which ensures that you’ll only be charged once, even if you accidentally tap your card against the terminal twice or if you don’t hold your card on the reader long enough and you’re asked to tap it again.
   
   
3. Mastercard Zero Liability guarantee.
   If your card has been lost or stolen, you should contact your card issuer immediately to either freeze or cancel the card. If your card has been stolen and used for unauthorized transactions, you’ll be protected by Mastercard’s Zero Liability guarantee and will be reimbursed for any fraudulent transactions.