NFC Expert What do you need to know about VTB contactless payment?
Let’s start by looking at the key aspects. So, currently there are two contactless payment systems for goods and services: PayPass and PayWave. They are supported by international payment systems MasterCard and Visa. This technology appeared in 2007 and quickly gained popularity around the world. In particular, according to VTB statistics for 2018, over 112,000,000 transactions were made in the contactless payment mode.
The competitive advantage of contactless technology is the ease with which purchases are made. In particular, a bank client does not need to carry a fan of debit and credit cards with him, remember PIN codes and enter these data in payment terminals.
It is enough to bring the card to the reader, and the required amount will be automatically debited from the personal account. Cards that support this technology have an icon of 4 curved lines on the front side, reminiscent of the Wi-Fi symbol.
Now contactless payment cards can be synchronized with mobile devices and other “smart” gadgets. For this, built-in chips and special applications are used. Consider how the contactless payment technology is implemented.
RFID Module
This abbreviation stands for Radio Frequency Identification. In fact, we are talking about a radio frequency identifier integrated into a plastic card.
Such a system consists of two trace elements:
- Embedded chip.
- Transmitting antenna.
The module works very simply. The chip generates radio waves, and the antenna transmits the signal to the reader or payment terminal. This technology is used in banking, agriculture, at metro stations, bus stations.
NFC module
In fact, this is a reduced and upgraded version of the RFID module. If we turn to the decoding, then NFC is defined as Near Field Communication, or a near field communicator. It is this technology that is used for the interaction of bank cards with mobile devices.
The built-in chip operates at a frequency of 13.56 MHz, the range is /- 10 centimeters. Due to its functionality, the module is able to provide two-way or one-way communication.
Note that today many smartphone manufacturers integrate the NFC module into their products.
If the contactless payment chip is not included in the basic package of the gadget, it can be installed later.
If there is no NFC?
Despite the possibility of integrating a contactless payment module into a mobile device, this technology is not supported by all smartphone models. In most cases, we are talking about flagship models released in the last 5-7 years.
However, if the smartphone does not support this function, you can use other devices with electronic filling to pay for your purchases contactlessly.
As an alternative solution, you can use:
- microchips embedded in key fobs, smartphone cases and clothing;
- SIM cards supporting NFC technology;
- external transmission modules – are installed under the rear cover of the phone.
Consider the most common gadgets that VTB recommends to its customers for making contactless payments.
Contactless payment with a ring
Many manufacturers following the path of contactless payments are already installing similar Samsung pay, Apple pay terminals. This method greatly improves the technology of purchases – for this you will not even have the slightest need to enter a pin code and wait for the approval of the purchase.
A bracelet for contactless payments is an ordinary accessory with a chip built into it, which regulates its activity in combination with a connected application from most popular payment systems. Its use will help get rid of an ordinary bank card, reduce the time spent in stores and other public places – it will take only a few seconds, and the possibility of re-payment is excluded, since the device automatically turns off immediately after use.
This is a rather stylish accessory, made in the form of a massive ring with imitation of a precious metal: silver, platinum, gold. The diameters of the device are different, so the “smart” ring is suitable for people of various sizes.
A feature of such devices is the microscopic size of the NFC module. The transmitting device is built into a certain area of the gadget, this area is usually marked with several stripes.
It should be noted that when making purchases, the ring is applied to the reader exactly in the marked area. The transmitting power of the chip is small, so if you put the ring on the other side, the finger will simply block the signal, and the payment will not go through.
Consider the basic characteristics of smart rings. We note right away that manufacturers do not adhere to a single standardization in the manufacture of such devices, so the values u200bu200bgiven below may differ.
- moisture resistance – corresponds to the protection level IP68;
- operating temperature range – average -50/80 degrees;
- wall thickness – no more than 3 mm;
- signal frequency – 13.56 MHz;
- supported module – NFC;
- signal transmission radius – about 1.5 cm.
Let’s add that you need to purchase smart rings only from trusted manufacturers. In particular, the incorrect location of the chip will certainly cause difficulties with contactless payment: you will have to look for the right position so that the reader reads the signal.
Basic settings
After the purchase, such a ring is additionally programmed: the payment identifier is “sewn in”.
This is done by bank specialists (the service is not available in all VTB branches) or at a service center.
Then an application is downloaded to the smartphone, which synchronizes the gadget module with the owner’s bank card.
The utility works correctly with Android devices, version 4.4 and older.
You can set up basic settings and synchronize devices by yourself by following the prompts of the application.
Despite its modest dimensions, the smart ring can perform several useful functions:
- payment for purchases or travel in public transport;
- electronic key mode;
- mobile device screen lock;
- fast download of applications on your smartphone.
NFC modules are not multifunctional, so one chip can only provide contactless payment or electronic key mode. However, the accessory can be equipped with several transmitter modules.
ICD ring
An example is the MKB ring, a Russian development released by the Moscow Credit Bank in order to improve the quality of service for its customers. The gadget is synchronized with a debit or credit card, allows you to make contactless payments anywhere in Russia.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhvNr3nJ2OA
Given the popularity of this device, other banks are also adopting the development. Unfortunately, VTB is not yet one of them.
Smart NFC bracelets from Sberbank
Externally, such a bracelet looks like an ordinary watch strap, but instead of a dial, a monolithic case is installed here. The device is made of polyurethane or silicone, the device is absolutely hermetic, so the bracelet can not be removed from the hand even in the swimming pool.
Bracelets are selected according to the size of the wrist, adapted for men and women of various body builds. The color performance is quite diverse, so the device can be matched to any style of clothing, harmoniously combined with other accessories.
Inside the case there is a transmitter built using NFC or RFID technology. Here it is necessary to clarify that the chip is removable, so if desired, the module can be rearranged to another device, for example, a smart watch. All devices that support contactless payment technology interact with identical readers, so they are actually interchangeable.
How does it work?
If a VTB client has previously used devices that support contactless payment technology, then he will easily figure out how the bracelet works. In general, all such devices work according to an identical scheme.
In particular, after purchasing the bracelet, the buyer is given a mini-tag. This is a microchip that resembles a SIM card for a smartphone. The module is inserted into a slot specially designed for this, located under the back cover of the bracelet case.
Despite the obvious similarity with a SIM card, the mini-tag is not adapted to work on mobile devices. Therefore, even if a person decides to install the module on a smartphone, there will be no sense from this.
The bracelet works simply. It is enough to bring your hand with the accessory to the reader, and the required amount is debited from the account of the linked bank card. The card itself is not required for this. It should be clarified that without a PIN code, you can make payments, the amount of which does not exceed 1,000 rubles. Using the bracelet, you can make purchases in hypermarkets, pay bills in restaurants, buy travel tickets at bus stations and metro stations.
Bracelets are sold in many large retail outlets and specialized stores selling smartphones and related products. It should be noted that similar contactless payment devices are sold on AliExpress, but you should not be tempted by low prices. Let’s explain why.
The fact is that the bracelets assembled by hardworking Chinese do not have the necessary certification, therefore, they cannot be used for financial transactions in VTB and other banks. At the same time, the device supports NFC technology and even comes with a corresponding label.
However, tags are noticeably inferior in terms of security to standard mini-tags, therefore they are not used by Russian and international payment systems. Therefore, when buying a bracelet on AliExpress, a person receives a stylish device, but not suitable for contactless payment.
Bracelets for children
As you know, many children are not distinguished by accuracy and thrift, so they may well lose the money given to them for school breakfast or spend it on some trinket. A bracelet with a contactless payment function will help to avoid the problems listed above.
Such devices work according to the standard principle: they are applied to the reader, after which the required amount is written off. An accessory is selected according to the child’s wrist, the bracelet is adjustable, presented in several colors.
However, there is one distinctive feature here: the gadget is synchronized with the child’s name card. Now many banks, including VTB, offer special cards for children. Such products are tied to the card of one of the parents, and it is the “parent” card that determines the limits of financial expenses.
It looks like this. Parents determine exactly how much they are ready to give out to their child for pocket expenses, and monthly credit this amount to the child’s card. To simplify the operation, you can create a template or use the Scheduled Payment service. The child, in turn, can only make non-cash transactions: replenishment of the balance and withdrawal of cash from children’s cards is not provided.
Information about expenses is sent to the Personal Account of the owner of the main card.
BePay bracelets
This is an alternative way to make contactless payments. The BePay system is built on the basic principle of contactless payment, but is supported only by bracelets. Therefore, such accessories are sold only on the official website of the system, the cost varies within 1,000 rubles.
To pay for purchases with BePay bracelets, the owner registers in a special application through which the balance is replenished and spending limits are set.
Security Options
The security level of contactless payments is at a very high level. A number of important points can be noted here.
For example:
- Inability to intercept the signal. The distance between the reading reader and the transmitting module is no more than 10 centimeters. This nuance acts as a guarantee that attackers will not be able to read the signal and gain access to the card balance.
- Limits. The maximum amount that can be debited without a PIN code does not exceed 1,000 rubles. Therefore, even if fraudsters can take possession of the device, they will not be able to immediately empty the card account.
- SMS informing. The option is connected in the application, and after each financial transaction, a corresponding message is sent to the owner’s phone. If the withdrawal of funds is unauthorized, you should immediately contact the VTB technical support service and block the card.
Let’s consider the security parameters in more detail.
Limits
In most cases, a person sets the maximum amount of daily financial transactions independently. Above this limit, it becomes impossible to withdraw funds even under conditions of authorized access.
SamsungPay and ApplePay payment systems are an exception to this rule. The fact is that such mobile devices have additional security systems in the form of a fingerprint scanner.
There is no protection against such devices yet. These are small scanners that read RF signals at close range. Given the signal transmission radius, the interceptor should be at a distance of no more than 10 centimeters. Therefore, such scanners are used in crowded places, for example, in public transport.
IMPORTANT!!! It should be clarified that interceptors are used to write off small amounts or make a duplicate card.
Here we can highlight the use of unique identifier codes that are assigned to a specific financial transaction. In particular, such an encoding is valid only for paying for a specific product here and now.
In addition, alternative number technology is sometimes applied to contactless payments. The essence of this proposal is that the radius of action is limited for the card. For example, a ban on purchases in certain stores is established.
The security of such transactions is usually compromised by the introduction of malware into the software. At the same time, installing even a high-quality and advertised antivirus does not provide absolute protection at all.
Therefore, the developers took over the security of the transaction. In particular, a unique token is generated for each operation, which blocks access to card data. In addition, the service is designed in such a way that when the smartphone screen is locked, data on financial transactions performed are automatically erased.