Contactless tips
How to get the best contactless performance, and what to do when a tap doesn't work.
The short version
- Hold the card or phone close to the front of the terminal. Don't hold it several centimetres away for a long time.
- If it doesn't work, try again.
- Place terminals at least about 30 cm apart, especially at self-service checkouts.
FAQ
Does the customer still need to hold the card close?
Yes. For the best result, hold the card or phone close to the terminal, as with older terminals.
Can the terminal read cards from a distance?
Sometimes, up to about 10 cm. This is normal and within certified specifications.
Is the contactless reader "too sensitive"?
It works as designed and certified. It may read from slightly further away than older terminals, but this usually doesn't affect the payment.
What if a card doesn't read?
Ask the customer to try again and hold the card or phone closer. This usually fixes it straight away.
Do Apple Pay and Google Pay work as before?
Yes. They may sometimes work from slightly further away.
Can a customer pay on the wrong terminal by accident?
No, not under normal conditions, as long as terminals are at least about 30 cm apart.
What if terminals are very close together?
Misreads can happen in rare cases. Repeat the payment, holding the card close to the right terminal.
Why doesn't tapping on the top or back work?
The RX5000 is designed for payments on the front. The top or back can give poorer results.
When should I contact support?
Only when the problem happens often on the same terminal, or the terminal doesn't read cards at all. An occasional retry is normal. See Get support.
Updated 20 days ago