Contactless Card FAQs

What is a contactless card?

It is a payment technology embedded in either a debit or credit card which allows for payments to be made at a store’s checkout terminal without the step of inserting or swiping your card.
 

How does a contactless card work?

When you use a contactless card, there is a short-range wireless technology in the card which allows for a secure payment to be made between the card and a contactless-enabled checkout terminal. When you tap your card or use a contactless-enabled payment device such as a smartphone or payment-enabled watch, near the Contactless Symbol, your payment is sent for authorization.
 

What does ‘tap to pay’ mean?

Tap to Pay means that you can ‘tap’ your contactless-enabled payment device, i.e., contactless-enabled chip card or mobile device, i.e., smartphone, watch) within 2 inches of a contactless-enabled checkout terminal to make a purchase.
 

How do I know if my debit or credit card is a contactless card?

If your card has a wave-like, Wi-Fi looking symbol on it, which may be on the front or back of the card, this means that your card has the contactless payment technology on it.
 

How do I use a contactless card?

To use a contactless card, you only need to place it within two inches of the contactless-enabled checkout terminal for your payment information to be transferred. You can also tap your card on the checkout terminal.
 

How long do I need to tap my contactless chip card or payment-enabled mobile/wearable device on the checkout terminal?

You should only need to hold your contactless-enabled debit card one to two seconds near the contactless-enabled checkout terminal.
 

Where can I use my contactless card?

You can use your contactless card at any merchant who has contactless checkout terminals. Just look for the contactless symbol (radio wave) on the checkout terminal when you make your purchase.
 

Can I still swipe or insert my Visa contactless chip card even if I don’t see the Contactless Symbol at the checkout terminal?

Yes. If you don’t see the Contactless Symbol on the checkout terminal, you can still swipe or insert your contactless chip card, just like any other Visa card.
 

Is a contactless card safe to use?

Yes. Contactless cards have the same technology as EMV chip cards which have an encryption technology that makes it difficult for your information to be stolen.
 

Does SouthState offer contactless debit and credit cards?

Yes. Beginning June 1, we will offer contactless debit and credit cards.
 

When will I receive a contactless card?

All customers will have a new contactless card by December 2022.
 

How can I receive a contactless card now?

Some SouthState locations can issue a new debit card right at the branch. Please call our Customer Care at 1-800-277-2175 to see which location is convenient for you.
 

What happens if my contactless card is lost or stolen?

If your card is lost or stolen, please contact us immediately at 1-800-277-2175 to report the card lost or stolen and to order a replacement card. For after-hours support, call 1-800-523-4175.