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There are always tools to streamline our everyday lives, since time is precious and better spent elsewhere than in the checkout line. If you’re looking for a new way to add a popular and safer technology to your life, try paying for transactions using contactless payments.

Contactless payments can be performed using a contactless credit or debit card, or with a smartphone or smartwatch with the mobile wallet enabled. As the name suggests, these transactions reduce or eliminate the need to be in contact with the terminal when making a purchase. Enjoy faster, cleanlier, and more convenient shopping experiences with contactless technology!

How to Use a Contactless Card

A contactless credit or debit card will have a symbol located on the card (American Heritage's contactless symbol is located on the back of our cards!) that signifies that the card will work at terminals that display the same symbol.

Proceed with your transaction as you normally would until the moment when you would insert your card's chip. Then, follow these instructions:

1. Identify	2. Look	3. Tap	4. Confirm
Identify your contactless card symbol.	Look for the contactless symbol or for the word TAP when paying for your items at checkout.	Place your card over the symbol or the center of the terminal screen to initiate payment.	A beep, a green check mark, or a flashing green light will indicate your successful payment.

Be sure to hold your card up to the terminal until the confirmation sound or light signal. Please note that some merchants may require you to enter a PIN number after you tap your card.

How and When to Use Your Mobile Wallet

A mobile wallet is just like your physical wallet – not only does it store your cards, but also has the ability to use them electronically. While your wallet is tucked away in your pocket or purse in the checkout line, your phone is likely right in hand! Save time in line and avoid handling cash, cards, or keypads in public places with contactless payments, set up easily in your mobile wallet.

Once your new wallet has been set up, it’s time for your first contactless payment! Luckily, many retailers across the country accept contactless payment at point-of-sale (POS) terminals, or the device with the pin pad where you normally insert your card. Participating retailers will denote accepted payment methods near the cash register, counter, or the terminal itself.

When checking out at a store, keep an eye out for these symbols. The leftmost icon that resembles Wi-fi signal bars actually shows that this terminal accepts contactless payments. Other signs to look out for are the Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay logos.

Many fast food establishments, convenience stores, and gas stations also offer their own mobile wallets in the form of individual apps. Lighten your wallet and carry fewer plastic cards by loading your gift card balance onto these mobile apps. Search your phone’s app store to find your favorite stores like Dunkin’, Starbucks, Wawa, and more. Besides enjoying features like online ordering, you can earn in-app rewards, like a free coffee, by using these apps frequently. Plus, you can continue to earn ScoreCard® Reward Points or cash back, respectively, by using your American Heritage cards to reload balances.

Getting started with mobile wallets on your smartphone is simple! Follow the instructions below for your phone manufacturer and start using mobile wallets today.

How to Set Up Apple Pay on Your iPhone

1. Go to the Settings App, then tap Wallet & Apple Pay
2. Under Payment Cards, tap Add Card, then Continue
3. Under Card Type, tap Credit or Debit Card
4. Position your card in the camera frame to automatically fill in details or tap Enter Card Details Manually to type them in yourself
   1. If entering manually, type in the cardholder name, card number, then press Next. Then enter the expiration date and security code (three-digit number found on the back of the card.
   2. If using the camera feature, verify that the details are correct, then press Next. Then manually enter the three-digit security code found on the back of the card.
5. Agree to Apple’s Terms and Conditions.
6. Once the card has been added to your mobile wallet, you will be asked to verify your card via email, text message, or by giving us a call. Please note that you will be unable to use your card in Apple Pay until it is verified.
7. After verifying your card, you can choose to optionally add your card to your Apple Watch if you have one linked to your Apple ID. To add the card to your Apple Watch, you will have to re-enter your card’s security code and agree to the Terms and Conditions once again.
8. If you have more than one card in your mobile wallet, you may be asked if you would like to make the newest card your default card for payments.

Note: These instructions may change based on which version of iOS your phone is running. For the most up-to-date instructions, visit Apple’s guide  here.

How to Set Up Google Wallet for Your Android Phone

1. First verify that your Android phone has NFC capabilities
2. Search for “Google Wallet” or “Google Pay” from the Google Play store to download the  Google Pay App.
3. Login or choose an email address to associate with your Google Pay account.
4. Click Get Started, then tap No Thanks when asked to connect to Gmail.
5. Under Pay with your phone in stores, tap Set it up.
6. Allow Location Access if desired.
7. Position your card in the camera frame to automatically fill in details or tap Enter Details Manually to type them in yourself.
   1. If entering manually, type in the cardholder name, card number, the expiration date and security code (three-digit number found on the back of the card). Verify the address and contact information.
   2. If using the camera feature, verify that the details are correct, then press Continue. Then manually enter the three-digit security code found on the back of the card.
8. Agree to any additional Terms & Conditions.
9. You will be informed that your screen lock will be used for Google Pay if you have it enabled, tap Got it to continue.
10. Verify your card for Mobile Pay.
11. You may be redirected to the Google Pay App to view your current mobile wallet.
    

Note: These instructions may change based on which Android version your phone is running. For the most up-to-date instructions, visit Google’s guide  here.

How to Set Up Samsung Pay on your Samsung Phone

1. Download the  Samsung Pay App from the Google Play Store.
2. Once it's installed, open Samsung Pay, and then tap Get started. Enter a new PIN for Samsung Pay, and then enter it again to confirm.
3. Tap Add card (blue +card icon), and then tap Add credit/debit card. Follow the on-screen instructions to register your card.
4. Agree to the terms and conditions.
   

Note: These instructions may change based on the operating system version your phone is running. For the most up-to-date instructions, visit Samsung’s guide here.

Other Mobile Services to Try Today

Curious how else you can manage your wallet on your smartphone? The American Heritage Mobile Teller App is available on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store and is full of great features to help you monitor your account, transfer funds, and more on the go. Make peer-to-peer transfers with ePay, set up Card Controls for extra safety, or even deposit a check without visiting a branch, all using your smartphone! For more information on these features and more, visit our page on Online and Mobile Banking.