Contactless Payments and Digital Wallets

Space Age Credit Union is introducing tap-to-pay technology and enhanced digital wallet features to provide a faster, more secure checkout experience.

The Basics: Tap-to-Pay & Digital Wallets

• Tap-to-Pay Cards: These are debit or credit cards with built-in technology that allows you to pay by holding your card near a terminal instead of swiping or inserting.
• Digital Wallets: You can store your card information on a mobile device or smartwatch for fast, contactless payments in-store, online, or in-app.
• Compatibility: Space Age supports Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, and Samsung Pay®.
• Cost: This service is free; the credit union does not charge additional fees for digital wallet use.

Card Eligibility & Availability

• New Cards: All newly issued cards now feature full tap-to-pay capabilities.
• Existing Cards: Your current physical card will not have the "tap" feature until it is naturally re-issued upon expiration or replacement.
• Immediate Option: You can add your existing card to a digital wallet today to start making contactless payments immediately, even if your physical card isn't tap-enabled.
• Mandatory Reissue: Debit cards beginning with 4452 are being retired and do not support tap or digital wallet features. Active cards in this series will be automatically replaced with contactless-capable cards starting in mid-April.

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How to Use Contactless Payments

• Look for the Symbol: Seek out the contactless symbol at payment terminals.
• The Action: Hold your card or device within a few inches of the terminal.
• Confirmation: Wait for a beep, checkmark, or confirmation message to complete the transaction.
• Where to Pay: Accepted at most grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, retail stores, transit systems, and some supported ATMs.
• Safety Net: You can still swipe or insert your card if a merchant does not support tap-to-pay. Occasionally, you may be asked for a PIN or to insert the card for security.

Security & Fraud Protection

• Tokenization: For digital wallets, your actual card number is never stored on your device or shared with merchants; a "digital token" is used instead.
• One-Time Codes: Every transaction uses EMV chip technology to generate a unique, one-time security code.
• Authentication: Digital wallet payments require verification via Face ID, fingerprints, or a passcode.
• Proximity: Cards must be within a few inches of the terminal, making unauthorized scanning highly unlikely.
• Zero Liability: You remain protected from fraud under VISA zero-liability policies.
• Theft Protection: If your mobile device is lost, you can remotely lock or erase it, or contact the credit union to disable the card.

Coming Later in 2026

Space Age is planning further enhancements this year, including:

• New Card Designs: Fresh physical card designs, including in-house and instant-issue options.
• Enhanced Controls: Robust card management tools integrated into internet and mobile banking.

Need Assistance? If you have questions or need to verify card eligibility, contact Space Age at 303-369-7666 or 800-666-6928.

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