Over the past several weeks I’ve been proactively requesting new contactless credit cards for each of my Chase credit card accounts. This process began when I received an email from Chase notifying me that the Chase Freedom card is now contactless. As of writing, every single one of my Chase credit card accounts now offers a contactless credit card.
For those unfamiliar with contactless cards, a contactless card is one that allows you to tap to pay. With a contactless credit card you don’t have to swipe the card or insert the card into a credit card payment terminal. Instead, you simply have to tap the card on the terminal to initiate payment. Overall, I’ve been using contactless cards as frequently as possible and love them. The whole payment process is much quicker and easier with a contactless credit card. Better yet, most relatively new payment terminal accept contactless payment. So, anywhere where you’ve been using a chip reader, you should be able to use a contactless card.
The only catch is that you need a special contactless card to use the tap-to-pay payment method. You’ll know if you have a contactless card or not because the card will feature the universal contactless symbol. This symbol is basically a sideways WiFi signal displayed on either side of the card. If your card does not feature the contactless logo, you’ll need to request a replacement card from Chase.
Requesting The New Chase Freedom Contactless Credit Card
Chase makes requesting a new credit card incredibly easy. Online account functionality is definitely an area where Chase excels. To request a new Chase credit card you must first log-in to your Chase credit card account. Once logged in, select the credit card account for which you’d like to request a new card. Then, on the right hand side of the page, click on the “things you can do” drop down. From that menu you can click on the “replace a lost or damaged card.”
After clicking this option, Chase will redirect you to the “replace a card” webpage. On this page you can change your card account and select a reason for card replacement. One of the options available should be “my card needs to be reissued” and in that option is text which lets you know to use this option if you need a tap-to-pay card.
After selecting this option you should receive a confirmation that your card will be reissued. If you know where your card is, be sure to use this option as your card number will remain the same. This is important if you have any reoccurring charges hitting your card account. If your card is lost or stolen, select the lost or stolen option to allow Chase to send you a new card with a new account number.
Receiving My New Contactless United MileagePlus Explorer Card
I actually do not remember requesting a contactless version of the MileagePlus explorer card. Instead, I think Chase actually provided this card prior to me requesting it. With that, yesterday I received a familiar plain white envelope which clearly contained a new credit card. Inside, I found a welcome letter which welcomed me to my United Credit Card. My new contactless credit card was affixed to the front of the page.
The envelope also contained a separate page that outlined what a contactless credit card is and how it works. I personally this page should be included in every issuance of a contactless credit card as many consumers are still unfamiliar with the technology.
The one thing I noticed the above page lacked was a warning that all contactless card holders should be aware of. That is, if you have multiple contactless cards in your wallet and put your wallet on a card reader, you might inadvertently pay with multiple cards. This is especially true on transit card readers.
New United MileagePlus Explorer Card Design
When I received my new contactless card, I also noticed the MileagePlus Explorer card’s design changed fairly substantially. It seem United has updated the MileagePlus Explorer card to reflect the rebranding of its fleet.
Personally, I love the look of the new card. The card is a much brighter blue and more proudly displays the United (Continental) globe. I also prefer the removal of the word “Chase” in favor for just the recognizable Chase logo.
Final Thoughts
I’m actually pretty excited about the arrival of yet another contactless credit card. Now, the only card in my wallet that isn’t contactless is my Chase Sapphire Reserve card and I’ve actually just requested a replacement for that as well.
I am glad to see all of the major credit card issuers embrace contactless payment technology. The entire tap-to-pay process is so much faster and easier than using a chip reader. This is especially true abroad where you have to physically sign every receipt for a chip transaction. So, I’m thrilled to see card issuers move to contactless payment cards.
Also, I really love the look of the United MileagePlus Explorer card and United’s new livery for that matter. United is very much branding itself as a full-service premium domestic airline and that branding shows up in the new card design.
