Tapping to pay without seeing the amount

84 replies

Figmentofmyimagination · 08/03/2026 17:53

I know it’s on me to ask - but it really irritates me to be given a card machine to tap that doesn’t show the amount unless you ask for it. Tapping on the end of the machine is a real design fault imo.

I’ve just bought a hot chocolate in a train station queue in a rush and as I walked away, I realised I’d tapped without seeing amount and with no receipt either - now unnecessary stress as I’ll have to check my account on the laptop when I get home (I don’t bank on my phone).

I’m sure it’s all fine but mistakes do happen and the system should not make it this easy to tap your card without seeing how much you are paying. At least, for now, it’s not possible to take more that £100. Grrr.

OP posts:

Olive567 · 08/03/2026 18:19

The contactless limit of £100 for bank cards is also being scrapped in a few weeks.

Olive567 · 08/03/2026 18:15

Yes, make sure you remember to ask to see the amount OP. There was a program on Radio 4 recently about scammers using keypads with people who were paying with bank cards. People thought they were paying £5 with card, scammer says, oh sorry can't do contactless you have to insert card. Person inserts card, thinks they are paying £5 but scammer's hand covers extra 0000s so end up paying £5k. I think the amount can also be changed remotely by accomplice sitting in car with laptop. Person had probs getting money back from bank as had entered Pin. Think it was You and Yours program. So be aware!

TheChosenTwo · 08/03/2026 18:04

I do agree that you should be able to see the amount but why is this causing you so much stress that you need to check, are you imagining that you’ve been charged £70
for a hot chocolate?
disclaimer, I’m not saying people don’t get overcharged, I got double charged for fuel recently and didn’t realise until I went back the following time I stopped to get fuel again and the guy gave me my money back, said he’d made a note of my registration number and was waiting for me to come back!

Sprig1 · 08/03/2026 18:03

I always ask to see and have taught my 15yo son the same. The amount of people who get slightly affronted makes laugh.

SkinnyOatFlatWhiteForMePlease · 08/03/2026 18:02

It is a flaw but as you say on you to check. I find it really frustrating.

dubbie · 08/03/2026 17:59

I always ask to see the amount.

faerylights · 08/03/2026 17:56

I've never had this, I've always been able to see the amount.

Why don't you get mobile banking? All my transactions pop up immediately so I know exactly what I've spent and what I have available.

ScrambledEggs12 · 08/03/2026 17:55

To save the stress now you could bank on your phone?

IwantToDatePicard · 08/03/2026 17:55

I agree, retailers seem to get annoyed when you try to look at the screen. I just ask to see it - it's my money 💰

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