Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) Definition

By Phillip Parker

Last Updated: December 24, 2013

Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) Explained:

What is RFID? Radio-frequency identification, or “RFID,” is a wireless payment technology that uses electromagnetic fields to transfer stored information. RFID tags can be embedded in payment cards and then “read” by a scanner without swiping or contact of any sort, similar to NFC technology.

There has been some controversy over the use of RFID chips in devices or objects that store sensitive data. Critics argue that any appropriately built card scanner can capture the information on an RFID chip simply by being placed in close proximity to a credit card. Due perhaps in part to this security concern, RFID technology has been slowly implemented in the electronic payments industry.

Watch a local news report about RFID security concerns below:

About The Author

Phillip Parker

Phillip Parker is an independent card payment expert specializing U.S. and Canadian point-of-sale, e-commerce, and mobile payment acceptance. He has nearly two decades of experience in credit card processing as a journalist and consultant. Phillip is the creator of this website and has written over 1,500 articles covering numerous payment acceptance topics. He has also published critical reviews about most merchant services providers currently in operation.

Expert Guidance

Phillip has consulted businesses of all sizes from mom-and-pop shops processing $10K per month to enterprise level organizations processing in excess of $300MM annually. His specialties include:

– Merchant Account Statement Auditing
– Rate & Fee Negotiation
– Processor & POS Selection
– Software Integrations
– Risk Assessment
– Fraud Prevention
– General Processing Advice

Schedule a Consultation Here

Phillip’s Top Picks

Phillip has researched and reviewed over 1,000 merchant services providers over the last 15 years. He also owns multiple businesses that accept credit card payments. If you are looking for an ethical credit card processor that doesn’t hide fees or lock you into expensive contracts, see Phillip’s merchant account picks here.

In The Media

In addition his contributions on CPO, Phillip has also been quoted in several major publications such as The Los Angeles Times, INC Magazine, Miami Herald, Computer World, and numerous others. If you would like to interview Phillip for your story or podcast, please reach out here.

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