What is a characteristic of contactless smart cards?

A characteristic of contactless smart cards is that they utilize radio frequency (RF) technology to communicate with card readers. This allows for transactions to be completed without the need for the card to physically touch the reader, thereby providing a faster and more convenient payment method.

Contactless smart cards typically have an embedded chip and antenna that work together to transmit data wirelessly over short distances, usually within a few centimeters. The use of RF technology enables secure transactions as the card emits a signal to the reader, which reads the card’s data for processing.

In contrast, options that involve physical contact with the reader or purely online transactions do not align with the nature of contactless technology. Additionally, cards that exclusively rely on magnetic strips lack the functionality and advantages of contactless smart cards, such as enhanced security features and ease of use.