I asked my bank if I could have contactless debit and credit cards and this is their view
"You're unable to request a non contactless credit card, we don't have this facility"
But gave the following as assurance.
"While I understand your concerns about this, as a security measure, there's a limit of £30 that this facility can be used for. We've also limited the number of times a Contactless payment can be used as the PIN will be asked for randomly.
Although it's technically possible to obtain the card number and expiry date, there are more straightforward methods of getting this information from the front of a card. This data is of little use and neither the PIN nor the 3 digit security number can be gained in this way.
If your card is used without your say so, you don't need to worry as you can register a Visa Dispute for a refund, providing you are an innocent victim of fraud and have not acted negligently."
They can provide a non contactless debit card but
1. In line with many other banks, as a Customer who opts out, the card you receive will be an 'On-line' card, which is a different type of card with some reduced use.
2.'On-line' cards only work in situations where the merchant contacts the bank for authorisation and therefore will not work in an 'off-line' environment (e.g. on a train or plane, or at unattended petrol pump).
3. In addition, merchants sometimes have problems with their systems and may switch to an off-line operation, in this event, an 'On-line' card wouldn't work."
I think they don't want me to have non contactless cards.
BANKS LIE
Very simple answer. You are the customer. The customer is always correct.
Should the provider, licensee, boss, bank, whoever they are be of an opinion they can take the proverbial & you will let them take said proverbial then they will do. Stand up for what you want & if you do not receive what you want from the vendor, then as vendee, remove your custom. I.E. Take your business elsewhere & I wish you all success but from your tone & language you are struggling to get through to them which they know & are quite happy with. Change the staus quo. Change banks.
They are all a load of shysters but if you are interested in the information I was in HSBC the other day on an appointment I had arranged to open a new bank account with a new bank & like yourself I don't want a contact payment card & I stated that & said should a contact pay card be the only option for new customers I shall take my business elsewhere.
'Not a problem at all' said the kind lady, 'thanks very much' i said, to which she replied, 'had you not said anything you would have received one of the new ones which are now standard issue.'
No thanks.
Go to another bank mate, shut your branch you currently use off, move the accounts. If that's too much hassle for you then it isn't that big of an issue.
Hang Shai Bank of China. HSBC. They'll probably keep your money in Beijing but they'll let you have the card that you want.