With more Canadians than ever relying on contactless payment options, Interac Flash® transaction limits are increasing. Now, our members can tap and pay for purchases up to $250, and up to a cumulative total of $400, making it quicker and easier to make a wider range of purchases without needing to enter a PIN.
How to activate new debit card tap limit
Before being able to use the enhanced Interac Flash® limits, you will need to make three consecutive debit transactions by inserting your credit union debit card chip and entering your PIN. This will activate the new limit and tap will be available on future purchases up to $250. The current limit of $100 tap will remain until three purchases are made using the pin number at a terminal.
What is Interac Flash®?
Interac Flash® is a payment technology that allows you to make smaller, everyday purchases
simply by holding your credit union debit up to an Interac Flash-enabled POS terminal – no PIN
required.
Where can I pay using Interac Flash®?
Many retailers accept Interac Flash®. POS terminals will display a contactless symbol to let you know you can tap and pay using your debit card.
How do I make a payment using Interac Flash®?
Paying with Interac Flash® is easy! When making a payment, simply hold your debit card within
a few centimetres of a POS terminal displaying the contactless symbol. You should then hear a
beep or see an approval message letting you know your purchase is complete.
Which account will my Interac Flash® purchase be charged to?
Purchases made using Interac Flash® will come from the chequing or savings account that’s
designated as primary on your credit union debit card. By default, this is set up as your chequing
account. If you don’t have a chequing account, your primary account would be savings.
Are there fees for using Interac Flash®?
When it comes to fees, each purchase you make using Interac Flash® is counted the same as a
debit transaction, which is important to keep in mind if you pay debit transaction fees on your
credit union account. We encourage you to keep track of your transactions and any associated
fees by reviewing your account activity regularly and to contact us if you would like to discuss
your account package options.
Are there limits on how much I can purchase using Interac Flash®?
Yes. With Interac Flash®, you can tap and pay to make single purchases up to $250 without
needing to enter your PIN. For purchases over $250, you will still be able to insert your debit
card and enter your PIN to complete your payment. As an added safeguard, Interac Flash® also
has a $400 combined spending limit. This is the sum of all the contactless payments that you’ve
made with your card since entering your PIN. When this limit is reached, you will be asked to
insert your card and enter your PIN. Entering your PIN will reset your limit so you can continue
to use Interac Flash®.
Is Interac Flash® secure?
Yes. Interac Flash® uses the latest chip technology and has unique security features that protects
each transaction. Payments made using Interac Flash® are covered under Interac’s Zero Liability
Policy, which protects you from unauthorized use of your card.
Can I accidentally pay for something if I stand or hold my card too close to a POS terminal?
For Interac Flash® to work, a POS terminal would need to be ready to receive a debit transaction
and your card would need to be within 4 centimetres of the front of the machine. So, while it’s
good to be aware of where your credit union debit card is, it’s very unlikely you could make an
accidental payment.
Can the information on my card be stolen, even if my debit card is in my wallet or my purse?
No. Your credit union debit card has security features built into the chip to prevent fraudulent
activity like skimming and counterfeiting.
If you have any questions please contact us.