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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Madison Blancaflor is the managing editor for TPG's content operations team. She focuses on helping TPG's broader editorial team bring news, features and advice to readers. She has nearly six years of experience covering the credit cards and travel industries.
December 12, 2020 • 12 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
Contactless credit cards use EMV chip technology with near-field communication for tap-and-go payments, offering faster and more hygienic transactions.
These cards have become more popular in the U.S. due to increased demand for touch-free payments, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Most major U.S. card providers now offer contactless-enabled cards, though rollout may vary by region and product.
Contactless payments are considered as secure as traditional chip transactions, using one-time codes for each purchase.
What to consider
Some offers and card products mentioned may no longer be available.
Availability of contactless cards can depend on your location, with certain providers rolling out features in select cities first.
Contactless-enabled cards can typically be requested if not automatically provided, but check with your provider for specific procedures.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of contactless card options, including unique features and benefits across various providers.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Contactless credit cards are cards that don't require you to insert your card chip when you make a purchase. These cards use EMV chip technology (chip security developed for Europay, Mastercard and Visa but now used by many cards) with NFC (near-field communication) for proximity payments. Cards with contactless capabilities can be used like a standard chip credit card or for “tap-and-go” payments similar to Apple Pay and Google Pay purchases.
Back in December 2018, TPG predicted that contactless cards would go through a growth period in 2019. That hunch turned out to be true, but 2020 has been another year of growth as people have adopted contactless tech to help minimize risk of spreading COVID-19. The technology is certainly not new to the international marketplace — contactless cards have been in use in much of Europe and Australia for years. However, they’ve been slow to catch on in the U.S.
Most major credit card issuers in the U.S. have started (if not completed) the switch to contactless cards. We would guess that in the next year, pretty much any credit card will have the option for cardholders to go contactless. In the meantime, here's a list of our favorite cards with tap-and-go capabilities from each issuer.
American Express contactless cards
Featured card: American Express® Gold Card
(Photo by Eden Batki/The Points Guy)
Rewards: You’ll get 4x points on dining at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent), 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through the Amex Travel portal, and 1 point per dollar spent on everything else.
Welcome bonus: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within your first six months with the card. Some people are getting targeted online for a 75,000-point welcome bonus (check using the CardMatch tool), but there is no guarantee that offer is available to everyone and it is subject to change at any time.
Annual fee: $250 (see rates and fees)
Why we love it: Although the Amex Gold sometimes is overlooked in favor of The Platinum Card® from American Express, it’s still a knockout card. For those who are looking for contactless cards to use on everyday expenses, the Gold actually outshines the Platinum with its rewards structure. It’s got something for just about everyone.
Families and foodies alike can rack up a lot of points with 4x points on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarket spending. Frequent flyers are still getting 3x points on eligible travel. Plus, the card also offers some great perks: a $10 statement credit each month for Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. (which comes in handy when you first get to your destination and just want to order in and crash at your hotel), personalized travel service, access to The Hotel Collection (including a hotel credit of up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card).
Other contactless cards from American Express:
The Platinum Card from American Express
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Hilton Honors American Express Card
American Express Cash Magnet® Card
American Express® Business Gold Card
Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Amazon Business Prime American Express Card
Amazon Business American Express Card
These cards come contactless-enabled by default. A representative from Amex confirmed that you can also request a contactless-enabled version of any U.S. consumer card by logging in to your account or calling the number on the back of your card.
The information for the Amex Cash Magnet, Hilton Aspire Amex card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Bank of America contactless cards
Featured card: Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
Rewards: Earn 2x points on travel and dining, plus 1.5x points on all other purchases. Existing Bank of America customers who qualify for the Preferred Rewards program can earn up to 3.5x on travel and dining, plus 2.65x on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: You'll receive 50,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Annual fee: $95
Why we love it: If you qualify for the Preferred Rewards program with Bank of America, the Premium Rewards Card offers a lucrative earning potential for such a low annual fee. Most cards that offer annual travel credits cost hundreds of dollars in membership fees annually. For just $95, you'll get a solid earning rate (or a great one, if you are a Preferred Rewards member with Bank of America), an up to $100 airline incidental fee statement credit, a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit (up to $100) and some nice travel protections.
Other contactless cards from Bank of America: Unfortunately, contactless cards are only available in select cities in the U.S., including New York, Boston and San Francisco, according to reports by Doctor of Credit. A few TPG team members have received new Bank of America cards in the mail that are contactless-enabled, but we haven't seen a widespread rollout for customers outside of these pilot cities.
Capital One contactless cards
Featured card: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
(Photo by The Points Guy)
Rewards: You’ll get 2x miles on every purchase.
Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $95
Why we love it: The Venture offers a simple way to rack up a lot of miles on everyday purchases. It’s a great beginner travel card that also comes with some nice perks, such as a statement credit for your Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee (up to $100) — a feature you don’t find on many mid-tier travel cards.
Other contactless cards from Capital One:
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card*
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Journey Student Rewards from Capital One*
*The information for these cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Chase contactless cards
Featured card: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
(Photo by John Gribben for The Points Guy)
Rewards: Earn 5x total points on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out, 3x points on select streaming services, 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs), 2x points on all other travel, 1x point on all other purchases
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Why we love it: This is my favorite travel rewards card. It’s got an awesome welcome bonus offer right now and Chase Ultimate Rewards are incredibly valuable compared to most other loyalty currencies. Chase defines both travel and dining very loosely, which means you can hit those bonus categories for a number of purchases that would earn only 1 point per dollar spent with other cards. If you’re looking for a solid beginner travel card to help you get started in the points-and-miles game, it’s hard to beat the CSP.
Other contactless cards from Chase:
AARP Credit Card from Chase*
Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card*
British Airways Visa Signature Card
Chase Freedom* (No longer open to new applicants)
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase Slate Credit Card*
World of Hyatt Credit Card
Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card
Ink Business Cash Credit Card
Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
Starbucks Rewards Visa Card*
United Explorer Card
United TravelBank Card*
United Club Infinite Card
*The information for these cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Citi contactless cards
Featured card: Citi Rewards+® Card
(Photo by John Gribben for The Points Guy)
Rewards: Earn 2 ThankYou points per dollar at supermarkets and gas stations (on the first $6,000 spent annually, then 1 ThankYou point per dollar spent), and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. Plus, your rewards are rounded up to the nearest 10 on every purchase.
Welcome bonus: Earn 20,000 ThankYou bonus points after you spend $1,500 on purchases with your card within the first three months of account opening. .
Annual fee: None
Why we love it: The round-up feature is something no other credit card offers. This is an excellent card to pair with the Citi Premier® Card or Citi Prestige® Card. You can easily rack up points on small, everyday purchases (where a contactless card is most beneficial), and then transfer them to your Citi Premier or Prestige account so you can maximize their redemption value. I got this card in February just to use on small purchases — my daily iced latte and in-app purchases, mainly. It has lived up to my expectations.
The information for the Citi Prestige has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Other contactless cards from Citi:
Citi® Double Cash Card
Citi Premier® Card
Citi Prestige® Card
Wells Fargo contactless cards
Featured card: Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card*
Rewards: 3x points on dining, gas stations, ride-hailing, transit and travel (which includes flights, hotels, homestays and car rentals), and 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: N/A
Annual fee: None
Why we love it: For a no-annual-fee card, the Propel has a great rewards structure. Those who live in the city and spend a lot each month on ride-hailing services and transit will be hard-pressed to find a card that offers a better return on those purchases. Beginners who don't travel often, but want the option to redeem at a decent rate for travel will find a lot of value with the Propel.
The Wells Fargo Propel card is no longer available for new applicants. The information for this card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Other contactless cards from Wells Fargo. A representative confirmed that all Wells Fargo cards are now contactless-enabled, including:
Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® card*
Wells Fargo Visa Signature® Card*
Wells Fargo Rewards Card*
Wells Fargo Platinum Card*
Wells Fargo Cash Back College Card* (Note: you must have an existing Wells Fargo relationship to apply for this card online)
Wells Fargo Secured Credit Card*
*The information for these cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
What are the benefits of contactless cards?
The most obvious benefit of using contactless cards — both for consumers and retailers — is speed. A transaction that might take 30 seconds by inserting an EMV chip only takes an average of 15 seconds when you go contactless. This saves time and lets retailers serve more customers in a day.
But there is also physical safety to consider, too. As more people are looking for ways to minimize touchpoints in their day-to-day lives to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, contactless payment methods are becoming increasingly common.
The U.S. has been behind the curve on adopting contactless payments, mainly because U.S. retailers have been slow to switch their point-of-sale terminals and hardware to accept them. However, as mobile payment options have become more popular, retailers are upgrading their systems to accommodate contactless payments.
On the consumer side, there was concern about security. A common misconception about NFC payment technology is that it’s easy for thieves to steal your credit card information by getting close to your card with a reader. The reality is that contactless payments are just as secure as if you insert your chip into a reader.
Each transaction produces a one-time code rather than the same info being sent each time you pay, so someone wouldn’t be able to steal your card information for future transactions even if they got close enough to your card with a reader (which is unlikely).
Bottom line
As more Americans recognize the benefits of using both mobile wallets and contactless cards, more issuers are rolling out more cards with contactless capabilities. Don't be surprised if you get a contactless-enabled card when you renew or apply for new credit cards from these issuers.
Additional reporting by Max Prosperi and Liz Hund.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here.
Updated on 5/3/21.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
