Re:Ask HN: Why are credit card chip readers so slow?
by dx034 on Monday June 26, 2017 @05:11AM
(#14635250)
That's not entirely correct. Some countries (e.g. Spain) have no floor limit and request a PIN, others use the same system as the UK (e.g. Germany). Wikipedia has a detailed list: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contactless_payment
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Re:Ask HN: Why are credit card chip readers so slow?
by darklajid on Monday June 26, 2017 @10:33AM
(#14637090)
I think the major complaint is (never tried paying contactless in the UK, no clue if that is correct) NOT the limit that doesn't require a PIN, but that you have to start from scratch and use a different method (insert card, provide PIN) if you cross that threshold. If that's true, that sounds like a UX problem and I'd hate that as well.
Here in DE it's not like that - or at least never happened for me. A transaction that I start contactless might (random verification or > threshold) require a PIN. But I never need to insert the card or get an error message like the GP described.
Re:Ask HN: Why are credit card chip readers so slow?
by gambiting on Monday June 26, 2017 @11:11AM
(#14637407)
It is absolutely a UX problem. In the UK terminals will show this image:
https://cdn.barcodesinc.com/images/models/lg/Ingenico/ipp320...
Even if the amount is over the threshold - only once you tap your card on the terminal it beeps and says "insert/swipe card". Why even show the contactless logo then????
Re:Ask HN: Why are credit card chip readers so slow?
by dx034 on Tuesday June 27, 2017 @03:07AM
(#14643072)
Not all do but the majority. I believe it's the manufacturer's fault, not the bank's (or store). But I guess in devices like this, pushing a software update to fix a non-critical UX flaw could take years.