BOH launches contactless debit cards

HONOLULU, Hawaii—Bank of Hawaii announces a touchless way for its debit card customers to pay for in-person purchases at retailers with its new contactless debit cards.

Bank of Hawaii is the only local bank to roll out a full mass reissue of contactless cards. The bank will replace debit cards for all of its customers with the new contactless version over the next several weeks, regardless of expiration date. Customers will retain their same card number, but replacement cards will have a new expiration date and CVV (the three-digit “card verification value” on the back of the card). PINs will not change. The rollout is expected to be complete by April.

Consumers can simplify their checkout experience in two easy steps. To make a purchase, customers should look for the contactless symbol on the merchant terminal. Then, tap or wave the card at or near the symbol. Most local businesses already have contactless-enabled terminals in place, including CVS/Longs Drugs, Costco and Target. This no-touch payment option takes seconds to complete. It is not only much faster than swiping or inserting a card into the terminal, but also much safer and just as secure.

Bank of Hawaii will replace debit cards for all of its customers with the new contactless version over the next several weeks, regardless of expiration date. (BOH)

Contactless card payments provide the same encryption as EMV chip payments — a one-time security code unique to each transaction is generated, which the merchant terminal sends to the bank, and the bank confirms the payment.

“Bank of Hawaii is pleased to be able to provide all of our debit card customers new contactless cards enabling them to safely, simply and securely make purchases utilizing touch-free technology,” said Ruth Erickson, Bank of Hawaii’s executive vice president in the Marketing Division. “With safety and security being a priority for the bank, we believe it important to replace all of our customers’ cards as quickly as possible.”

BOH continues to invest in delivering digital options and services to its customers. While the chip and magnetic stripe may still be used on the bank’s new touchless versions, contactless debit cards are rapidly becoming one of the most popular ways to pay for purchases. This trend began well before the pandemic, and concerns over health and safety of in-person shopping further increased contactless adoption.

For more information about contactless debit cards, visit www.boh.com/contactless. (PR)