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Contactless Card – Make Payment without PIN and Swiping Card

contactless card

Contactless card means a card that allows payment without a PIN or swiping. You just need to wave the card in front of the POS machine to make payment using a contactless card. These types of cards can speed up the shopping experience as well as provide security against card cloning.

Before few days, I went to shopping in D-mart to buy some household items. At the payment time, I have handed over my ICICI Corel credit card. I was waiting for the counter boy to provide POS for entering a PIN. However, the counter boy has just tapped the card on the machine and payment was done. He provided an invoice for the good purchase. The payment was done here using contactless technology. I was wondering if payment can be made without entering the PIN if a card is lost it can be misused and payment can be done just by waving the card. I decided to check with the bank. Bank responded with an answer that it is contactless card and you can perform up to Rs.2000 transaction using the contactless method without entering a PIN. This is as per RBI guideline. If you want to perform transaction above Rs.2000 you need to enter the PIN after swiping the card. In this post, we will explore the contactless card along with advantage and disadvantages.

Also Read – 10 Best SBI Credit Card in India

What is Contactless Card?

Contactless card means a card that allows you to make a payment just by waving a card nearby POS machine. This card can be identified by the wave symbol . If you find this symbol on your credit card or debit card it supports contactless payment. These cards are based on NFC (near field communication) and RFID (radio frequency identification).

Contactless cards are very useful for making faster payment at crowded places like a petrol pump, shopping malls, movie theatre and fast food parlor where the payment amount is less. This card is also useful for old age people where they are not required to remember the PIN for making payment. Contactless payment offers a similar level of security as chip and PIN payment.

These types of card are generally offered by VISA and MasterCard. VISA calls this technology as payWave and Mastercard calls it PayPass.

How contactless card works?

The use of a contactless card is very easy. This card contains a chip and an antenna when you place this card near proximity of POS, the antenna inside card get electrically activated and start communication with POS. Steps to use the contactless card while making payment are given below.

  1. Look for the wave symbol (wifi logo) at the Point of Sell (POS) machine while making a payment at merchant’s place.
  2. Enter your purchase amount into POS terminal or ask counter boy to do the same. The amount should be less than Rs.2000.
  3. Tap the card near contactless reader or at the POS. It will work only if it is closer than 4 cm.
  4. Once the transaction is complete you will see green light along with beep sound. Few machines also display text “Transaction Approved” on the POS machine
  5. If the amount is greater than Rs.2000 you need to enter a PIN in order to complete the transaction.

contactless payment

Contactless Cards in India

The contactless card technology is not new in India. It was introduced four years back in India. However, most of the people are not using this method in India. This may be due to unavailability of NFC enabled POS at merchant end or lack of knowledge about this technology.  Whatever be the case one thing is sure that as the government is pushing digital payments, the usage of these types of card will grow in the future. Most of the banks have started issuing or replacing debit card and credit card with contactless technology. Few popular contactless credit cards in India are –

  • ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card
  • SBI Simply Click
  • HDFC Regalia Credit Card
  • Standard Charted Platinum Card

FAQ on Contactless Cards

Contactless Cards are safe and secure?

As per experts, these types of card are as secure as chip-based cards. These types of cards carry multiple layers of security and it ensures that consumer is safe against the fraudulent transaction. The contactless payment terminal can process only one transaction at a time so, the chance of cross payment or duplicate payment is NIL.

What are the advantages of using contactless payment?

It is very easy and convenient to use contactless payment method. You just need to tap your card. It does not require entering PIN or signature. Thus payment processing is faster. The chance of misusing your card through cloning would be minimized using this technology.

What are drawbacks of using contactless card?

One of the biggest drawback of this card is if card is lost or stolen, someone will be able to use it for contactless purchase up to Rs.2000. If this card is placed near proximity of any authorized machine or POS without your information fraudulent transaction can take place.

Can I use contactless card for shopping if bill amount is more than Rs.2000?

Yes, you can make use of your contactless card for the shopping for the bill amount more than Rs.2000. You need to input your PIN in order to authorize the transaction.

10 Methods to Pay Credit Card Bill Online & Offline

pay credit card bill

10 Methods to Pay Credit Card Bill Online & Offline – A credit card has become an integral part of our life. We cannot imagine our life without a credit card. Credit cards are used widely for daily transactions such as paying utility bills, paying mobile bills, buying groceries, fuel payment, online shopping, etc. For every transaction bank offer credit card with multiple rewards and benefits. It is more likely that people use multiple credit cards to get rewards and other benefits.

It is very easy to remember and make payment for a single credit card as you need to remember a single due date. However, it becomes difficult to remember and make payment of multiple credit cards. Any default in clearing credit card dues will invite penalty and interest payment. The bad repayment history also affects your credit score. If you forgot to pay credit card dues for a few months, it will lead to an accumulation of debt.

Also Read – 10 Best Credit Cards in India To Save Money 2019 – Latest Review

If you are worried and looking for the solution to the above problem here are 10 different methods to pay your credit card bills. These methods are broadly classified in online and offline method. Few methods also come with a reminder system.

10 Methods to Pay Credit Card Bill Online & Offline

Online Methods to Pay Credit Card Bill

#1 Through Online Bill Payment Services

The first method to pay credit card bill online is via third-party online bill payment services. These types of bill payment services provide you single console for all bill payment. You will also get reminder emails and SMS for the payment dues. BillDesk, Bharat Bill Pay are examples of third party bill payment services. You can make most of the recurring bill payment including credit card payment using this service.

Bharat Billpay Credit Card Payment

#2 Through Internet Banking

One of the simplest ways to pay your credit card bill is via online Internet banking. If you are holding credit card of the company where you have a saving bank account, you can make an online payment via Internet Banking. You need to register your credit card in your existing bank account. Even if you don’t have a saving bank account with a bank you can still make payment via any other internet banking account.

#3 NEFT/RTGS Fund Transfer

NEFT (National Electronic Fund Transfer) and RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement System) is another very good option for making a credit card payment. In this method, you need to add your credit card company as a biller. You will require IFSC Code, bank name, branch address, etc. It usually takes 30 minutes to 24 hours to add biller for payment transfer. Please note that fund transfer using NEFT and RTGS is free.

#4 Mobile Wallets

It is very easy to make payment of credit card dues via mobile wallets. Mobile wallets such as Paytm, Mobikwik, Google Pay (Tez), Phonepe, BHIM/UPI offers the facility to make a credit card payment on the move. You need not to do registration for this payment. You just need to download the app and provide credit card information for making payment. Few mobile wallets also offer additional benefits for making payment using a mobile wallet.

#5 Visa or Master Card Money Transfer

Visa and Master card offer visa money transfer and Mastercard send facility. You can use this facility for any domestic fund transfer and credit card payment. You need to enter your credit card number in order to make payment. It usually takes day or two to process payment made using this method.

#6 Auto Debit Facility

One of the most recommended method to pay credit card bill is via Auto Debit Facility or standing instruction. Most of the credit card issuers allows auto debit facility. In this method, you need to setup auto debit using internet banking facility. You need to provide credit card number and bank account number from which payment to be made. You can also select between minimum amount and total amount payment. You can change auto debit instruction anytime.

auto debit credit card facility

Offline Methods to Pay Credit Card Bill

#7 By visiting Bank ATM

One of the simplest way to pay credit card bill is via visiting bank ATM centre. It is an offline method for bill payment. Most of the bank ATM provides bill payment facility for credit card dues. You need to visit nearest ATM centre of your credit card issuer. Insert your debit card into ATM kiosk and select Bill Pay option. Follow the instruction in order to make payment.

#8 Cheque Payment

Another method to pay credit card bill is via cheque. You need to draw a cheque in favour of the credit card account and drop it at any bank branch or ATM drop box. You need to write your credit card number, your name and phone number at the backside of cheque. It usually takes 4-7 working days to process the cheque and clear your dues. Make sure to write cheque in advance so that it will reflect on or before due date.

#9 Cash Payment at Bank

One of the rare method to make credit card payment is via cash. In this method, you need to physically visit bank. You need to fill up deposit slip mentioning credit card number and amount. You can make cash payment at the cash counter. This method will work if amount due is low. You need to pay additional service charge for using this method.

 #10 By Calling Customer Care Facility

Some credit card companies allow you to pay your credit card bill by calling their customer care facility. In order to use this facility you need to have saving or current account with card issuer bank. In most of the case this facility is IVR based and work without human intervention. It is an instant method to pay your credit card dues. However, you need to think about the security of information shared at customer care.

Over to you –

Which method do you prefer for making credit card bill payment?

Do share your views and experience in the comment section given below.

10 Best Small Trading Business Ideas

Trading Business is one of the most profitable business options. If you are planning to start a trading business and looking for trading business ideas here is a list of 10 Best Small Investment Trading Business Ideas. These business ideas can be started with small or slightly moderate investment.

trading business ideas

Trading means buying and selling items or goods to earn higher profits. The goods can be standard goods or customized items. The companies dealing in the trading business are known as trading companies. Trading companies do not manufacture goods directly they buy them from multiple manufacturers or wholesalers and sell them to end customers or retailers. Trading companies either maintain their own stock in a shop or warehouse or order items based on customer orders. Follow the steps given below to start your own trading business.

Also Read – 20 Retail Business Ideas with Low Investment

How to Start Trading Business?

  • The first step toward starting a trading business is deciding your market segment. You can decide to do business in the domestic market, international market (export) or online market.
  • Once you decide market segment look for a trading business idea with a suitable product. Make sure to compare your product & price with similar products available in the market. You may find product information and price details online as well as offline.
  • The next step is making a list of probable suppliers and competitors. If possible, go for rate contract option. After this groundwork, you need to estimate capital requirements and place for storing inventory. Estimate the manpower required for your business and start recruiting.
  • Now you need to do paperwork with respect to GST Number and other local licenses required for starting a business such as a shop establishment license etc.

10 Small Investment Trading Business Ideas

#1 Garments Trading

The first trading business idea is garment trading. The garment is one of the basic requirements of a human being. Thus, it is a good idea to start a garment trading business. You can start this business at a lower scale or even from your home. You need to find out good wholesaler dealing in readymade garments. In order to establish yourself in this business, you need to work hard on marketing.

#2 IT Hardware Trading

IT Hardware such as desktops, laptops, servers, and computer peripherals are widely used everywhere. Any small or medium business including individuals makes use of IT devices. It is an evergreen business as the demand for IT devices will continue due to the new requirements as well as obsolescence. In this business, you need to invest money at the initial stage. You also need a small shop to start this business.

#3 FMCG Trading

FMCG Trading is another very good business opportunity. The FMCG market is growing exponentially and there is still a huge scope of market expansion. If you have knowledge and experience about FMCG products you can start this business. It is a good idea to select popular brands such as Hindustan Unilever, ITC, Patanjali etc.

#4 Customized Jewllery

The market of customized jewllery in India is growing significantly in recent times. Due to repaid urbanization and increase in buying power people can afford jewllery purchase. If you have enough capital, you can start a customized jewllery business. This business can be started even from home.

#5 Chemical & Pesticide Trading

Chemical and Pesticides market is very large and segmented. Before entering this business, you need to understand the basic dynamics and usage of chemical at various parts including suppliers. Make sure to work on the order basis. Do not invest or store chemical as inventory during the starting phase. This business requires a lot of documentation and license procedure at an initial stage.

#6 Spice or Masala Trading

The Indian spice such as cumin, black pepper, turmeric, chili is famous all over the world. This product has a very good market in India as well as abroad. In this business, you need to take a franchise of spice or masala company. You can work on a commission basis. You require a suitable place to start this business. You can start this business as a retail segment or in the export segment.

#7 Automobile Accessories Trading

The sell of car and vehicle is on the rise in the country. The main reason could be the buying power of people has increased. As the usage of the automobile has increased the requirement of automobile accessories is likely to remain high. In addition to accessories, there are many items such as tyres, tubes, gears, gear parts which shows an increase in demand. If you have knowledge of automobile sector you can start this business. You require moderate investment to start this business.

#8 Stock Market Trading

A stock market trading is evergreen business option. This business can be started individually at home. In this business, you need to buy and sell stock at a shorter duration to make profit. It is a risky business. Make sure to understand the basic of stock market trading before starting this business. Another option, in this case, would be starting stockbroking. If you are knowledgeable in the stock market you can start stockbroking.

#9 Grocery Trader

Grocery trading is another lucrative business option. As a grocery trader, you can start a small retail shop or start a wholesale business of grocery. The profit margin associated with this business is very low. However, if you involved in bulk trading you can earn a lot of profit.

#10 Hardware & Sanitary Trading

Hardware & Sanitary trading is next in the list. It is an evergreen business. Hardware and sanitaryware is good business where you can earn a lot of profit. Make sure to select a business location where a lot of real estate development is in progress. Investment required for this is moderate.

Top 5 Virtual Credit Cards Debit Cards in India

Virtual Credit Cards are not real cards. It is an online version of a credit card. A virtual credit card is also known as prepaid credit card or Virtual debit card. These types of cards are specifically designed for online transactions. The entire details of the virtual credit card including card number, validity, expiry date, and CVV number remain online only. A Virtual Credit card is an add-on credit card issued on top of a primary credit card. The primary objective of a virtual credit card (VCC) is to protect against hacking attempts or fraud.

Virtual credit cards are the safest and best option for online purchases. It is very easy to generate these types of cards. You just need to log in to an app or online banking portal and generate a credit card for a required credit limit. It is safe to use this type of card as it can be used only once. The limit of this card is fixed hence the chance of fraud and losses can be prevented up to a great extent. It is highly recommended to use virtual credit cards while doing online shopping. If you are planning to use Virtual Credit cards for online purchases, here are the Top 5 Virtual Credit cards and debit cards in India.

virtual credit cards india

Also Read – What is Virtual Credit Card? How it works?

Top 5 Virtual Credit Cards Debit Cards in India

Virtual Cards Provided by Banks

HDFC NetSafe Virtual Credit Card

HDFC NetSafe is a best virtual credit card. It is a unique online solution from HDFC Bank. You can generate a unique virtual card using a physical visa or master credit/debit card. HDFC NetSafe is free for all HDFC bank visa and master debit and credit card holders.

Key Features of HDFC NetSafe Virtual Credit Card –

  • The lifetime of the card is 48 hours.
  • The limit of this card depends on your primary credit or debit card.
  • It is a single transaction card.
  • It is a free virtual credit card.

SBI Virtual Credit Card

SBI offers online virtual cards. This card can be created online using a net banking facility. Once you log in to the SBI net banking site, click on the e-card. Here you will find generate virtual card link from which you can generate a VCC card. The maximum limit of this card is Rs.50000.

Key Features of SBI Virtual Credit Card –

  • This card can be used for transactions made only in the country.
  • No separate registration is required. It can be generated by a net banking account.
  • There is no limit on number of virtual cards created by the customer per day.

Kotak NetCard

Kotak NetCard is a virtual card provided by Kotak Mahindra Bank. It is a one-time use virtual card that can be created from a bank account via net banking. Once you log in to net banking portal you need to click on the “netc@rd” tab. You need to select a bank account for drawing funds and click OK to generate a card.

The key features of this card are similar to another card, except this card does not support secondary verification and 3D secure code.

App Wallet-based Virtual Cards

Pockets Card by ICICI

Pockets Card by ICICI is among one of the best virtual credit cards. Anyone can sign up and use Pocket. It is not mandatory to become an ICICI customer by using a Pocket app. This app is freely available at Google Play. It is the first app in India that provides you with UPI, NFC, and Bharat QR Code payment options. You can even request for a physical prepaid card using this app.

Apart from Top 5 Virtual Credit Cards mentioned above few other famous virtual credit card options are Yes Pay Wallet by YES Bank, Zeta RBL Bank, Udio Wallet, Oxygen Wallet, PayZapp Visa Card by HDFC Bank, etc.

Advantages of using Virtual Credit Cards

  • It is one of the most secure payment options. This card can be used only once which means the chance of misuse is nearly nil.
  • The limit of usage is fixed and cloning of card information is not possible.
  • Like a normal credit card, you will need OTP via SMS for authentication.
  • You can make VCC of any amount as per your requirement.
  • It is a free card and the bank does not charge anything for this card.
  • You can cancel this card anytime with a click of a button.

Drawbacks of Virtual Credit Cards

  • This card cannot be used at a store or at a shopping mall.
  • VCC cannot be used to withdraw cash.
  • A primary card is mandatory in the majority of cases to avail of this card.

I have just shared various online Free VCC options and ways to create them.