Contactless
KON-takt-lus /ˈkɒntæktləs/
Neutral Neutral
What it really means
Paying by tapping your card or phone on the reader — no PIN needed for payments up to £100. The most common way to pay in the UK. Occasionally the machine asks for your PIN as a security check; that is normal.
Chinese explanation
把银行卡或手机往读卡器上一碰即完成支付——100镑以内无需输密码，是英国最常用的支付方式。机器偶尔会出于安全要求输一次密码，属正常现象。
Example conversation
A: Is it contactless?
B: Yes, just tap your card or phone on the reader.
A：可以拍卡支付吗？
B：可以，把卡或手机碰一下读卡器就行。
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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake