Contactless Technology F A Qs
Get answers to frequently asked questions about near-field communication (NFC) payment methods and how this new process can make your next purchase or payment more convenient.
For Credit Cards, call 1-866-279-0888
For Retail Debit Cards, call 1-800-724-2440
For Business Debit Cards, call 1-800-724-6070
What's the difference between contactless cards vs. EMV cards?
Our cards contain both a contactless antenna and an EMV chip for your convenience. The difference is in the way you interact at the terminal. With a contactless card, you simply “tap” your card on the contactless symbol and the transaction is processed within 1-2 seconds.
How do I use my Contactless Card?
You can make contactless payments with your M&T Bank Visa Contactless Card anywhere you see the contactless symbol on a payment terminal. Simply tap or hold your card near the contactless symbol at checkout. The contactless indicator on your card should be within 1-2 inches of the contactless checkout terminal.
How do I know if my card has the ability to make contactless payments?
Look for the contactless indicator on your card to know if your card has the technology to make contactless payments.
How do I know if a terminal accepts contactless payments?
Look for the Contactless Symbol on the payment terminal at millions of participating merchants worldwide.
Why is M&T Bank transitioning to contactless technology?
Like chip technology, contactless technology helps protect your payment information against fraud and can be used anywhere within the U.S. or abroad to make purchases at merchants that accept card payments. The contactless transactions process within seconds without the card ever leaving your hand allowing you to just “tap and go”.
Do I have to use the contactless feature to pay?
No. Your card is enabled with the EMV chip so you can continue to insert your card at the terminal.
Can I use my contactless card at merchants that don’t have contactless-enabled terminals yet?
Yes. M&T Visa Debit and Credit Cards will still be enabled with an EMV chip. If a merchant does not support contactless transactions, you can continue to insert your card using the EMV chip. If a merchant does not support any chip transactions, the card will continue to have the traditional magnetic strip on the back, enabling you to use it at merchants who do not yet have a chip-enabled terminal.
Will the M&T Bank Visa Debit and Credit Cards with contactless technology be accepted internationally?
Yes. M&T Bank Visa® Debit and Credit Cards are accepted anywhere Visa is accepted.
Should I continue to notify M&T Bank before I travel internationally?
Yes. We recommend that you notify us before you travel so your card access isn’t interrupted.
Is this the same thing as my old payWave card?
The functionality of the contactless card will be very similar to the experience of the payWave cards, but since your new contactless M&T Credit or Debit card contains chip technology, payments are more secure and cards are more difficult to counterfeit.
Can I opt out of receiving a debit or credit card with contactless technology?
No. All debit and credit cards will be issued with contactless technology.
Can someone steal my card information with this new technology?
Contactless payments use short-range wireless technology to complete payments between a contactless card or payment-enabled device and a contactless-enabled checkout terminal. Similar to the EMV chip, contactless payments use encrypted technology.
For every contactless transaction, a transaction-specific, one-time code is created that helps secure the cardholder’s payment information. The code cannot be re-used by fraudsters even if they were to get ahold of it. The information would be useless to them; therefore a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) blocking sleeve or wallet isn’t necessary.
Do additional fees apply to my new M&T card with contactless technology?
No additional fees apply – please refer to your cardholder agreement for standard card fees.
Can my M&T Contactless Debit and Credit Card be loaded to a digital wallet (e.g. Apple Pay®, Visa® Checkout)?
You may load your contactless card to any digital wallet that accepts M&T cards for payment.
What do I need to do when I receive my new card?
Just like any time you get a new card, activate the card by calling the number found on the sticker. If you have recurring payments set up, ensure that merchants have the correct card number, expiration date and the 3-digit security code – as well as, update your digital wallet (i.e. Apple Pay) with your latest card information.
When can I expect to receive a debit or credit card with contactless technology?
If you don't have an M&T debit or credit card with contactless technology today, you will receive one when your old card expires or needs to be reissued. If you would like the new functionality sooner, you can:
- Log in to Online Banking and select Order a Replacement Card from the Services Menu (personal banking customers)
- Log in to the M&T Mobile App, select Card Services from the Menu, and select Order a Replacement Card (personal banking customers)
- Call 1-800-724-2440 (personal banking customers), 1-866-279-0888 (credit card customers), or 1-800-724-6070 (business banking customers)
- Visit your local branch
Will I have to use a pin with my contactless cards?
If you are prompted for a pin when using your contactless card, you will enter the same pin you would use if you were to use the EMV chip or magnetic strip.
What should I do if my contactless card is lost or stolen?
If your contactless card is lost or stolen, you should immediately report the incident:
- Log in to Online Banking and select Report a Lost or Stolen Card from the Services Menu (personal banking customers)
- Log in to the M&T Mobile App, select Card Services from the Menu, and select Report a Lost or Stolen Card (personal banking customers)
- Call 1-800-724-1552
- Visit your local branch
We’ll disable your old card to help prevent any further activity or usage and then issue you a new one right away. And because you bank with M&T, you won’t be liable for any fraudulent charges, thanks to our M&T Assurance® program.
Will contactless cards allow others to track my location?
No. Contactless card technology is not a locator system. The antenna in your card is limited to supporting the authentication of card data.
Where should I go if I have any additional questions about my new M&T Visa Debit or Credit Card with contactless technology?
For credit cards, call 1-866-279-0888 (Mon–Fri 6am–9pm and Sat–Sun 9am–5pm ET). For retail debit cards, call 1-800-724-2440 or business cards, call 1-800-724-6070 (Mon–Fri 6am–9pm and Sat–Sun 9am–5pm ET) for more information.
Can I unknowingly make a purchase if I am in close proximity to a contactless payment terminal?
No. Contactless technology requires the merchant to first initiate the payment and then the contactless card or payment-enabled device must be held in close proximity (1 - 2 inches) to the terminal for a transaction to take place.