What does Contactless Payment mean?

Explanation

Contactless payment at chargers works just like tapping your bank card or phone at any shop. You hold your card near the payment terminal on the charger, it processes the payment, and charging begins. No app, no RFID card, no account needed. EU regulations increasingly require new public chargers to offer this option.

This is the simplest way to start charging if you do not have an account with the network. The payment terminal is usually clearly visible on the charger, marked with the standard contactless payment symbol. Some chargers use a pre-authorization hold (blocking a certain amount on your card) and then charge the actual amount after the session ends.

The main drawback is that pricing for contactless payment is often the highest available, similar to or even higher than ad hoc QR code pricing. Networks use this as a convenience premium. For regular use, registering with the network or using a roaming card will almost always save money. But for occasional use, especially when traveling, contactless payment removes friction and gets you charging quickly.

Learn more from European Alternative Fuels Observatory.

Where you'll see this

• On the charger screen
• On your charging receipt

Common confusion

Contactless bank card payment and RFID charging card taps look similar but are completely different systems. One uses your bank to pay directly. The other uses your charging account via an eMSP.

Example

Related terms