1. What is Visa payWave?
2. How does Visa payWave work?
3. How is my card different from other cards?
4. Why would I want to use Visa payWave?
5. Is Visa payWave secure?
6. Are there transaction limits for using Visa payWave?
7. Could a signature or PIN still be required for Visa payWave purchases?
8. How do I know if my card has the Visa payWave feature?
9. How will transactions appear on my statements?
10. What do I do if my card is lost or stolen?
11. Can my card be charged by accident or multiple times?
12. Where can I use my RBC Visa card?
13. Where can I “wave” my RBC Visa card with payWave?

1. What is Visa payWave?

Visa payWave is a new “contactless” feature included on most RBC^® Visa* cards for no added fee. It lets you pay for purchases at Visa payWave-accepting locations without having to swipe or insert your card and in most instances a signature or PIN is not required.

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2. How does Visa payWave work?

Your RBC Visa card includes an embedded chip which, when waved in front of a Visa payWave reader, passes the necessary payment details for the transaction wirelessly, using short-range radio waves.

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3. How is my card different from other cards?

In addition to a magnetic stripe and a microchip embedded on your card for traditional transaction processing, your new RBC Visa card with payWave includes a small radio antenna. This antenna allows you to wave your card at Visa payWave readers to pay for small purchases – typically under $25. It´s fast, convenient and secure, and perfect for use at fast-food restaurants, convenience stores or coffee shops. Each merchant has its own limit for maximum transaction values using Visa payWave. In the event that your RBC Visa payWave transaction cannot be completed, swipe or insert your card to complete the transaction, as you do today, with a signature or PIN.

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4. Why would I want to use Visa payWave?

Visa payWave lets you wave hello to convenience and protection and goodbye to unnecessary delays. You no longer have to worry about the exact change or fumbling with coins so speeding through checkouts is a breeze. It´s ideal for small purchases like coffee shops, fast food restaurants, convenience stores and movie theatres. Plus you will always have a record of your transactions which is not always the case for small purchases traditionally made by cash.

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5. Is Visa payWave secure?

Your RBC Visa card with payWave features multiple layers of protection, including chip technology. The card does not leave your hand and you´re in control the entire time. In addition, you continue to be protected against fraudulent transactions under the Visa Zero Liability policy, which means you are not liable for fraudulent charges provided you take reasonable precautions to protect your PIN and your card, as set out in your RBC Royal Bank Visa Agreement. Transactions also continue to be protected with Purchase Security and Extended Warranty Protection.

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6. Are there transaction limits for using Visa payWave?

Visa payWave is designed for small purchases – typically under $25. It´s fast, convenient and secure, and perfect for use at fast-food restaurants, convenience stores or coffee shops. Each merchant has its own limit for maximum transaction values using Visa payWave. In the event that your RBC Visa payWave transaction cannot be completed, swipe or insert your card to complete the transaction, as you do today, with a signature or PIN.

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7. Could a signature or PIN still be required for Visa payWave purchases?

Yes. As each merchant has its own limit for maximum transaction values using Visa payWave, it is possible that a signature or PIN could be required for purchases if limits have been exceeded. Go ahead and sign the receipt or enter a PIN, as you do today, to complete the transaction.

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8. How do I know if my card has the Visa payWave feature?

RBC Visa cards containing the Visa payWave feature will have the following symbol on the front of the card.

The following RBC Visa card products are currently set up with the Visa payWave feature:

Esso Visa card


All new cards being issued for this product now contain the feature. If you already have this card, you will receive a card with the Visa payWave feature upon your current card's expiry. If your card qualifies and you would like the Visa payWave feature in advance, you may call us at 1-800-769-2512 to request a new card.

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9. How will transactions appear on my statements?

Transactions are authorized, processed and billed in the same secure way as all Visa transactions. Transactions will appear as a regular line item on your Visa statement.

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10. What do I do if my card is lost or stolen?

If you card is lost or stolen or if you suspect fraudulent activity on your card, contact us right away:

Within North America: 1-800-769-2512
Outside North America: 514-218-2929 (collect)

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11. Can my card be charged by accident or multiple times?

Your RBC Visa card must be placed very close to a Visa payWave reader to complete the transaction. Simply walking by a checkout that has a Visa payWave reader will not cause your card to be charged. In addition, if your card is waved in front of a reader more than once, you will only be billed once.

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12. Where can I use my RBC Visa card?

In addition to waving your card at Visa payWave accepting merchants, you may use your RBC Visa card anywhere in the world where Visa is accepted including for traditional in store purchases (swipe and sign or insert and PIN), online purchases and telephone purchases.

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13. Where can I “wave” my RBC Visa card with payWave?

The list of merchants that accept Visa payWave is constantly growing. Look for the Visa payWave symbol in store or for the most up to date information on where you can wave and pay using your RBC Visa card, check out the Visa Canada website at: www.visa.ca

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