True, the claimed cut is 0.15% of the transaction amount. While it's arguable that this cost would in time filter down to the consumers, the expectation is that it will be more than offset by the cost savings from reducing fraud. Essentially the banks feel this investment will result in a net reduction of cost.
Yes, it is definitely easy when the processes and training are ready for it. There are growing pains of course, especially with merchants who had prepared/trained such as those who just happened to have NFC enabled.
Quick question -- with chipped cards, how long of a time must you leave the card in the terminal? Instructions I received with a new chipped credit card claimed the card would need to remain in the terminal until the transaction was complete. This may be a bit of a change for US consumers used to the ability to swipe their card and immediately put it away before then completing the transaction.