Earlier quoted context omitted.
I'm a Canadian who is temporarily in the US, and it seems so backwards to me. A signature? You mean writing on a piece of paper that probably never gets looks at allows someone to take money out of my bank account? Chip+Pin at least has a semblance of technical security. And cash? Don't get me started. Cash can be physically lost. Cash can be stolen. When you pay with cash, you get given coins as well as the thing yo…
This, I'm living exactly the same situation right now. Last time I came to the US, I realized my cards' magnetic bands weren't working. Would have never noticed otherwise, chips don't wear off. Had to prepare for new cards before my next trip. Chips came so long ago in Canada that I can't recall when. My surprise every time I remember they're still not here. Then cash only places and having to receive coins; the wors…
The chips may not, but the contact surfaces corrode. Then, when you're facing a slightly aged payment terminal with also corroded contacts, your card gets rejected no matter what you do.
So from my view, NFC in phone has two things going for it: it can be toggled on and off, effectively preventing drive-by cardjacking; and it is better protected from elements.
The fact that I have other personal reservations about contactless payments is different matter altogether.