RFID Protection???

[dsmrp]

Hi, this post was initiated because of a sale on RFID card cases at my workplace
When we got our Nexus traveler's cards (for express drive thru across Canadian border), they came with a copper(?) lined RFID protection sleeve. I remember the Canadian official who interviewed us, gave a specific recommendation about leaving our cards in the sleeve when not in use.

With chip credit cards abounding now, I thought perhaps it would be a good time to get some RFID protection for my credit cards. However with a little online reading, it seems the RFID stuff is perhaps a little too premature, because we're still chip and sign, and have to insert the credit card into a card reader. The Nexus cards are a true scan type, just hold it up to the scanner; no insertion required.

I'm not concerned about having info stolen off my cards here in the states or Canada. But what about in other countries? Your thoughts? TIA

I probably won't get the RFID case...maybe just order a few sleeves online

 

[sjsharkie]

Waste of money.

The chip and sign/chip and pin technology is different from contactless card technology.

1. You would have to have a contactless card with "tap and pay" type technology. It is branded under different names depending on the issuer but generally has a symbol that looks like several concentric arcs on the back of the card.
2. Someone would have to be able to skim the card via a cheap reader.
3. With most cards nowadays, that information skimmed is not your credit card information. It is at best a one-time token that can likely only be used for a single transaction.
4. Your limit of liability is limited. Most banks won't charge you a dime as long as you report the theft once you are aware of it. (Likely, they will discover it first).
5. All of this is theoretical. There are few cases of theft by RFID skimming -- frankly because there are much more efficient ways to make money off of stealing people's data.

BTW, you can wrap your card in aluminum foil or a mylar sleeve (the ones computer chips or coffee are packaged in) and gain similar (if not more effective) benefits than a RFID shielding wallet.

-ryan

 

[dioxide45]

With RFID, you don't actually see the chip on the card. RFID is actually older technology and was built in to many cards years ago, you just didn't see the chip. It was marketed by Visa as PayWave and MasterCard as PayPass. The new chips are not contactless forms of payment, so no protection is needed. You would only perhaps consider it if you see a symbol on your card similar to the one below.

 

[dsmrp]

Thanks for the info!

 

[Blues]

Agreed. But I was looking at the GOES web site due to the passport thread, and I noticed that the Global Entry card actually uses RFID. I don't normally carry the card, but had reason to put it into my wallet recently; so I may be vulnerable there. Time to leave it back home.

 

[dioxide45]

Agreed. But I was looking at the GOES web site due to the passport thread, and I noticed that the Global Entry card actually uses RFID. I don't normally carry the card, but had reason to put it into my wallet recently; so I may be vulnerable there. Time to leave it back home.

It may be good to put the Nexus or GE card in the sleeve they come with. As you say, they use RFID. It isn't necessary for the new run of the mill credit cards.