Frequently Asked Questions

What is Interac Flash®?

Interac Flash® is a payment technology that allows you to make smaller, everyday purchases simply by holding your credit union debit up to an Interac Flash-enabled POS terminal – no PIN required.

Where can I pay using Interac Flash®?

Many retailers accept Interac Flash®. POS terminals will display a contactless symbol to let you know you can tap and pay using your debit card.

How do I make a payment using Interac Flash®?

Paying with Interac Flash® is easy! When making a payment, simply hold your debit card within a few centimetres of a POS terminal displaying the contactless symbol. You should then hear a beep or see an approval message letting you know your purchase is complete.

Which account will my Interac Flash® purchase be charged to?

Purchases made using Interac Flash® will come from the chequing or savings account that’s designated as primary on your credit union debit card. By default, this is set up as your chequing account. If you don’t have a chequing account, your primary account would be savings.

Are there fees for using Interac Flash®?

When it comes to fees, each purchase you make using Interac Flash® is counted the same as a debit transaction, which is important to keep in mind if you pay debit transaction fees on your credit union account. We encourage you to keep track of your transactions and any associated fees by reviewing your account activity regularly and to contact us if you would like to discuss your account package options.

Are there limits on how much I can purchase using Interac Flash®?

Yes. With Interac Flash®, you can tap and pay to make single purchases up to $250 without needing to enter your PIN. For purchases over $250, you will still be able to insert your debit card and enter your PIN to complete your payment. As an added safeguard, Interac Flash® also has a $400 combined spending limit. This is the sum of all the contactless payments that you’ve made with your card since entering your PIN. When this limit is reached, you will be asked to insert your card and enter your PIN. Entering your PIN will reset your limit so you can continue to use Interac Flash®.

If you experience a situation where a retailer has imposed limits other than the transaction limits listed above, please let us know.

Is Interac Flash® secure?

Yes. Interac Flash® uses the latest chip technology and has unique security features that protects each transaction. Payments made using Interac Flash® are covered under Interac’s Zero Liability Policy, which protects you from unauthorized use of your card.

Can I accidentally pay for something if I stand or hold my card too close to a POS terminal?

For Interac Flash® to work, a POS terminal would need to be ready to receive a debit transaction and your card would need to be within 4 centimetres of the front of the machine. So, while it’s good to be aware of where your credit union debit card is, it’s very unlikely you could make an accidental payment.

Can the information on my card be stolen, even if my debit card is in my wallet or my purse?

No. Your credit union debit card has security features built into the chip to prevent fraudulent activity like skimming and counterfeiting.


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