Why merchants must accept tap to pay payments by 2025

Just as consumers replaced cash with cards, they are now trading swipes for “taps.” Payment preferences have rapidly shifted toward smartphone-centric behaviors, driven by the convenience of digital wallets and payment apps. This trend, which dominates e-commerce and mobile commerce, is quickly expanding into the physical retail environment. To meet – and exceed – customer expectations, merchants must adapt by offering payment methods like tap-to-pay, creating seamless experiences that build customer loyalty.

The growing acceptance of tap-to-pay payments is supported by data, which shows a significant rise in consumer adoption of contactless transactions worldwide. Studies from payment providers confirm this shift as consumers increasingly embrace the convenience, speed, and security of contactless payments.

The message is clear: by adopting technologies that enable tap-to-pay, merchants not only meet evolving consumer demands but also promote the frequent use of faster and more convenient payment methods.

The technology behind Tap to Pay acceptance

Tap to pay solutions rely on Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which enables card readers to wirelessly communicate with contactless cards and digital wallets. This technology establishes a secure and fast connection between the payment device and the terminal, ensuring quick and efficient transactions. With NFC, merchants can accept contactless payments not only at checkout counters but also tableside in restaurants to reduce queues during peak hours or even in outdoor settings.

In contrast, SoftPOS (Software Point of Sale) offers an innovative approach to tap-to-pay acceptance. Fully PCI-compliant, it allows merchants to accept contactless payments using their existing mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or handhelds. By eliminating the need for additional hardware, SoftPOS provides businesses of all sizes with a cost-effective and straightforward way to adopt contactless payments seamlessly.

To implement tap-to-pay successfully, merchants should collaborate with a payment technology provider offering a robust platform that supports all payment methods. An Android-based platform provides unmatched flexibility, enabling merchants to deliver diverse payment solutions with advanced features such as integrated loyalty programs and digital receipts. Additionally, such platforms can support a wide range of devices, including unattended terminals, to accommodate various transaction types.

With the right platform, merchants can also streamline their operations through tools for remote updates, centralized administration, and advanced security measures, ensuring efficient, reliable, and future-proof payment management.

The future of tap-to-pay payments

Contactless payment technologies are booming, and innovative solutions like SoftPOS are transforming the way consumers interact with merchants. Get ahead of the curve by planning today for the payment capabilities that will position your business competitively in 2025 and beyond.

Contact us to find out how to implement tap to pay payments and take full advantage of this technology to drive business growth.