A payment method that uses IC chip or NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to complete a transaction simply by holding a card or smartphone near a payment terminal. Suica, iD, QUICPay, and Visa Touch Payment are representative examples.
Contactless Payment Technology and Major Standards
Contactless payment is built on NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. In Japan, two systems coexist: the FeliCa standard (developed by Sony) and the Type A/B standard (international standard). FeliCa is used by transit IC cards such as Suica and PASMO, as well as iD, QUICPay, and Rakuten Edy, and is characterized by its fast processing speed. Type A/B is used by Visa Touch Payment and Mastercard Contactless, offering high compatibility overseas.
For smartphone-based contactless payments, Apple Pay and Google Pay are the two major platforms. Both encrypt and store card information in a secure element within the device, transmitting only tokenized data during transactions. Since the physical card number is never passed to the merchant, the design significantly reduces the risk of information leakage.
Practical Tips for Using Contactless Payments Safely
To make the most of contactless payment convenience, it is important to choose the right method for each situation. Use Suica or PASMO for public transit, iD or QUICPay at convenience stores, and Visa Touch Payment when traveling abroad. By preparing multiple payment methods matched to terminal availability, you can pay smoothly anywhere.
As a security measure, it is important to check the spending limit settings. Many contactless payment systems require a PIN or biometric authentication for transactions above a certain amount. Since this threshold varies by service, you should verify it in advance when high-value payments are needed. It is also essential to know how to immediately suspend your card through the app or card issuer's management portal in case of loss.
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