My New Chase Freedom Visa Signature came with Chase Blink (Visa PayWave NFC Chip)

First off, it appears that there is a Chase Freedom Visa credit card (like the one shown above) and then there is a Chase Freedom Visa Signature credit card.  I received the Visa Signature card and it is really reflective, not the flat light blue from the picture above.

Anyways, when I was looking at the back of the card, I noticed the sideways WiFi signals and asked the Chase rep on the phone about it.  He said it was Chase Blink.  What the heck is Chase Blink?

A quick Google search lead me to this page, where it says very little about Chase Blink.

Some more searching online, I found this post from MyFico’s website:

The Chase card with blink (SM) is a credit card with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). A computer chip embedded in the plastic of the card enables authorization without swiping the magnetic stripe through the merchant terminal.  By holding the plastic against the blink terminal, the transaction is authorized quickly and safely to replace the need to use cash for traditional “cash-only” purchases. Blink credit cards can also be used for traditional credit card purchases.

The card is low-powered and it must be within an inch of the terminal to pay for your purchase. Depending on the merchant and the amount of your purchase, some transactions will not require your signature.

To make a purchase using your blink card, participating merchants will have a special terminal on their counter that displays the word PayPass or a special echo symbol like the one on the back of your card.

For a list of blink merchants in your area, visit https://www.chase.com/credit-cards/blink

Further, your account is eligible and no fee is associated with this feature. In order to receive a card with blink feature, please reply to this email and either me or any of my colleagues will be happy to assist you.

Here is a video on YouTube describing Visa PayWave:

Visa PayWave merchants can be found here.

MasterCard PayPass merchants can be found here.

While on the phone with the Chase Rep, I asked if he could enroll me in the 4th Quarter 2013 categories and said yes (even though the sign up windows has closed online).  Shortly afterwards, I received the following email:

I just enrolled in 1st Quarter 2014 categories and am REALLY EXCITED that I can load $1,500 onto my Starbucks card.  No, just kidding.  I will see if I can buy some gift cards at some local gas stations, maybe find one that sells Vanilla Reload Cards (with credit cards)…

If you have a Chase Freedom Visa Signature credit card and want Blink, just send Chase a Secure Message or call the number on the back of the card (1-800-524-3880) to request a card with Chase Blink.  If you have any questions, please leave a comment below.  Happy Holidays!