With the technological advances we have seen in recent years, it is no surprise that contactless payments are becoming more and more popular. If you own a smartphone, chances are you have used tap and pay functionality before, whether it be to make a purchase at a store or to pay for public transport. But what exactly is tap and pay, and how does it work?
In this article, we will take a detailed look at tap and pay contactless payments, exploring everything from how they work to the benefits they offer. By the end, you should have a good understanding of this payment method and whether or not it would be right for you.
What Is Tap and Pay?
Tap and pay, also known as contactless payments, are a type of electronic payment where you can make a purchase without the need to physically hand over your debit or credit card. Instead, you simply hold your card (or smartphone) up to a contactless reader and the payment is processed automatically.
This type of payment is becoming increasingly popular due to the convenience it offers. Rather than having to fumble around for your wallet, you can simply tap your card on the reader and be on your way. Contactless payments are also generally faster than traditional card payments, as there is no need to enter a PIN or sign a receipt.
How Do Tap and Pay Contactless Payments Work?
Now that we have answered the question “what is tap and pay?”, it is time to take a look at how they actually work. As we mentioned previously, contactless payments are made using a card or smartphone that is equipped with Near Field Communication (NFC) technology.
This NFC chip allows your device to communicate with the contactless reader, which is what processes the payment. When you tap your card or smartphone on the reader, it will wirelessly transmit your payment information, such as your credit card number and expiry date. The reader will then process the payment and you will be on your way.
It is important to note that tap and pay contactless payments are only possible if both the card or smartphone and the reader support NFC technology. Most newer devices will have this functionality, but you may need to check with your bank or service provider to be sure.
What Are the Benefits of Tap and Pay Contactless Payments?
There are many benefits that come with using tap and pay contactless payments. Firstly, as we mentioned earlier, they are much more convenient than traditional card payments. Rather than having to dig around for your wallet, you can simply hold your card up to the reader and be on your way.
