Table of contents
Overview
How does Tap to Pay work?
iPhone & Android: How to get started
How security works
Tap to Pay in Germany
Mobile payments via NFC
Tap to Pay: Everything you need to know about the new contactless payment method
Apr 23, 2024
Overview: Tap to Pay
Tap to Pay enables payment without an additional payment terminal
Smartphones with NFC can accept contactless payments
Payment method without payment terminal possible for all NFC devices
Mobile payments via NFC offer merchants and customers more flexibility
Easily offer Tap to Pay via Mollie – compatible with iOS and Android
How does Tap to Pay work?
Tap to Pay is a new payment solution for the point of sale that is equally beneficial for merchants and customers. In contrast to contactless payments, however, this solution does not require a payment terminal. This function is performed by the retailer's smartphone. When a customer holds a credit card, debit card, or their own smartphone up to the retailer's smartphone, the transaction can be initiated with a tap.
As with Apple Pay and Google Pay, Tap to Pay works via the wireless chip for Near Field Communication (NFC). As no separate payment terminal is required, this payment method is particularly interesting for businesses such as temporary pop-up stores, personal trainers, freelancers and on-the-go delivery services, tradespeople and food trucks. The new payment method also scores points for simplicity and time savings.
Tap to Pay for iPhone & Android: What you need
To be able to use Tap to Pay on iPhones or Android devices, an NFC module is required in the device. This means that every iPhone since 2014 meets the technical requirements. An NFC module is also required for Tap to Pay on Android, which is available in most newer models. Basically, if a smartphone has the "NFC & contactless payments" feature, Tap to Pay will also work.
In addition to a suitable device that can receive the payment, retailers need a payment app. Sellers enter the payment amount in this app and the customer can then pay by placing their own smartphone on the seller's smartphone.
Tap to Pay is not only possible for customers with Android and iPhone. In principle, this payment method can be used with NFC, meaning that payment can also be made by credit card, debit card or watch. This allows you to offer your customers even more familiar payment options.
Tap to Pay security
With a new payment method comes the question of security. Tap to Pay also scores points in this respect, as no confidential data is transmitted when transactions are processed. Compared to payment by card and magnetic stripe, the new payment method even has security advantages, as no account details are transmitted. With Mollie as your partner for Tap to Pay, you can expect maximum security. You can rely on protected data storage, rigorous security checks and compliance with all available guidelines - we guarantee it.
Tap to Pay in Germany
Apple's Tap to Pay service launched in the US in 2022. The payment service has been available in Germany since mid-2024. Tap to Pay payments can also be accepted with Android smartphones. Mollie offers the right solution for both systems: discover Tap to Pay for iPhone and Tap to Pay for Android to receive POS payments without a card terminal.
Mobile payments via NFC
With Tap to Pay, merchants and customers benefit from a simple, contactless and flexible payment method via NFC. Thanks to the versatile use and payment exchange without an additional payment terminal, merchants can accept payments anywhere. As NFC and contactless payments are already very popular, Tap to Pay is also likely to play a major role in retail.
What do you need for Tap to Pay?
All merchants need for Tap to Pay is an NFC-enabled smartphone and a corresponding app. Merchants can then accept payments from customers via smartphone, digital wallets, credit cards, etc. directly via the smartphone.
How secure is Tap to Pay?
As with other contactless payment methods, the security of Tap to Pay is very high. With Mollie, you also have a partner at your side who takes the issue of payment security very seriously.
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