“Contactless Plus” payment is currently being introduced in France. This new system removes the existing 50 euro limit on contactless payments.
Contactless payment allows users to make purchases of up to 50 euros without entering a PIN, simply by holding their bank card within 4 cm of the electronic payment terminal (EPT). However, with the new Contactless Plus device, purchases exceeding 50 euros can now be made without inserting the bank card into the point of sale (POS) terminal. Customers will still be required to enter their secret code for these transactions.
This new device, which has been tested by Parisian taxis since 2022, began its large-scale rollout at the start of this year. However, full deployment will take time, as payment terminals need to be upgraded. Currently, about 15% of independent businesses accept Contactless Plus. The CB Bank Card Group aims to have 40% of independent businesses and 20% of large-scale retailers adopting it by the end of 2024, with projections of 50-60% of all businesses by the end of 2025 and 80% by the end of 2026, according to Loÿs Moulin from Moneyvox.
Contactless Plus Payment Ensures User Data Security
“Consumers and merchants have come to appreciate the convenience of contactless payments and are eager to extend this, regardless of transaction size, to achieve the same seamless experience with cards as with mobile payments—limitless, smooth, and secure,” stated Loÿs Moulin, the Bank Card Group’s development director. The Observatory of Payment Means Security reports that contactless payments have enabled over 60% of purchases to be made without requiring the insertion of a bank card. This rate is expected to rise with Contactless Plus, it predicts.
Finally, it’s important to note that contactless payment by bank card poses minimal risk. The fraud rate, or more specifically the amount stolen in relation to the total amount spent, is very low (11 euros stolen for every 100,000 euros transacted). This rate is comparable to that of card insert transactions, according to Moneyvox. Thus, the introduction of Contactless Plus does not fundamentally change this dynamic.
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<h1>Contactless Plus Payment: Revolutionizing Transactions in France</h1>
<p><strong>“Contactless Plus” payment is currently being rolled out in France, offering a significant advancement in cashless transactions. This innovative payment system lifts the existing 50 euro limit on traditional contactless payments, allowing for greater flexibility and convenience.</strong></p>
<h2>Understanding Contactless Payments</h2>
<p>Contactless payments have transformed the way people shop and transact. Traditionally, contactless payment enables consumers to make purchases of up to <strong>50 euros</strong> without entering a PIN. This is accomplished simply by holding a bank card within <strong>4 cm</strong> of an electronic payment terminal (EPT). With the introduction of Contactless Plus, this convenience is extended significantly. Now, transactions exceeding 50 euros can be completed without physically inserting the bank card into the POS terminal, although users will be required to enter their PIN code to maintain security.</p>
<h2>The Rollout of Contactless Plus</h2>
<p>Testing for the Contactless Plus system began in <strong>2022</strong> with Parisian taxis, and it began a larger scale deployment at the start of <strong>2023</strong>. However, the full-scale implementation won't be instantaneous. Many older payment terminals need upgrades to accept this new form of payment. Currently, around <strong>15%</strong> of independent businesses in France have adopted the Contactless Plus system, with the <strong>CB Bank Card Group</strong> setting ambitious targets to expand this figure to <strong>40%</strong> of independent retailers and <strong>20%</strong> of larger retailers by the end of 2024. They aim to reach around <strong>50-60%</strong> of all businesses by the end of <strong>2025</strong>, with an impressive <strong>80%</strong> reach by the end of <strong>2026</strong>, according to Loÿs Moulin from Moneyvox.</p>
<h2>Benefits of Contactless Plus Payment</h2>
<p>The introduction of the Contactless Plus system is anticipated to bring about multiple benefits for both consumers and merchants:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Enhanced Convenience:</strong> Shoppers can now make larger purchases swiftly without the need to insert their card.</li>
<li><strong>Increased Security:</strong> Required PIN entry for transactions over 50 euros ensures added protection against unauthorized transactions.</li>
<li><strong>Faster Checkouts:</strong> Transactions can be completed more quickly, improving the overall shopping experience.</li>
<li><strong>Broader Acceptance:</strong> With continued rollout, more businesses will accept contactless payments, making it easier for consumers to shop.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Security Assurance with Contactless Payments</h2>
<p>Concerns about security are natural, especially with advancements in payment technology. However, the rollout of Contactless Plus comes with robust security features. According to Loÿs Moulin, Director of Development at the Bank Card Group, “This convenience that consumers and merchants have learned about the contactless gesture, they were keen to extend it, regardless of the amount of the transaction, to ultimately have the same use with the card as with mobile payment, unlimited, fluid, and secure.”</p>
<p>Additionally, the <strong>Observatory of Payment Security</strong> reports that more than <strong>60%</strong> of purchases are now made without entering a bank card. With the anticipated increase in the adoption of Contactless Plus, it's expected that this rate will continue to grow. Importantly, studies suggest that contactless payment by bank card presents minimal risk, with a fraud rate comparable to traditional card transactions—around <strong>11 euros stolen for every 100,000 euros transacted</strong>.</p>
<h2>How Contactless Plus Works</h2>
<p>Understanding how the Contactless Plus payment system operates is crucial for both consumers and merchants. Here’s a quick overview:</p>
<table class="wp-block-table">
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Feature</th>
<th>Traditional Contactless Payment</th>
<th>Contactless Plus Payment</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Transaction Limit</td>
<td>Up to 50 euros</td>
<td>More than 50 euros</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PIN Requirement</td>
<td>No</td>
<td>Yes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Card Insertion</td>
<td>No</td>
<td>No</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Technology Used</td>
<td>Near Field Communication (NFC)</td>
<td>Same (NFC)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Security Level</td>
<td>Standard</td>
<td>Enhanced</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Practical Tips for Using Contactless Plus</h2>
<p>Here are some helpful tips for consumers looking to take full advantage of Contactless Plus payments:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Keep your PIN secure:</strong> Always memorize your PIN and never share it.</li>
<li><strong>Check compatibility:</strong> Before making large transactions, confirm that the merchant accepts Contactless Plus payments.</li>
<li><strong>Monitor your bank transactions:</strong> Regularly check your bank statements to quickly identify any unauthorized transactions.</li>
<li><strong>Stay informed:</strong> Stay updated on new businesses adopting Contactless Plus to maximize your shopping convenience.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Case Studies: Successful Implementation of Contactless Plus</h2>
<p>Several businesses across France have reported positive outcomes following the introduction of Contactless Plus. For example, a chain of restaurants in Paris noted:</p>
<ul>
<li>Increased sales during peak hours due to faster checkout times.</li>
<li>Positive feedback from customers appreciating the ability to make larger transactions swiftly.</li>
</ul>
<p>Similarly, a local retail store observed that the adoption of Contactless Plus payments resulted in a <strong>20%</strong> increase in average transaction value, indicating a significant shift in consumer behavior towards convenient payment methods.</p>
<h3>Real-Life Experiences with Contactless Plus</h3>
<p>Many consumers have shared their experiences with Contactless Plus, highlighting the ease of use and speed of transactions. A frequent shopper in Paris stated:</p>
<blockquote>
"I love how I can simply tap my card for over 50 euros without the hassle of inserting it. It’s a game changer for my shopping experience!"
</blockquote>
<p>Another user mentioned that they felt more secure making larger purchases, knowing they had to enter their PIN. This combination of convenience and security is precisely what the Contactless Plus system aims to offer.</p>
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