Mobile apps equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology are transforming our daily lives in ways that once seemed futuristic. Today, your smartphone isn’t just a tool for communication, it’s a portable payment terminal, an access credential reader, digital ticket authenticator and so much more. Thanks to the power of NFC, Android and iPhone devices are making commerce, identity management, and access control more seamless than ever.
Smartphones as contactless payment terminals
Merchants have always needed to invest in a NFC-enabled payment terminal to accept contactless payments. These devices are convenient, but they come with upfront costs and require maintenance. Today, that barrier has been broken down. Now, all a merchant needs is an NFC-enabled smartphone running a third-party banking app with tap-to-pay, and their device can act as a payment terminal.
For small businesses, startups, or even individuals, this shift has been a game-changer. Gone are the days of buying expensive equipment. An iPhone or Android device can now handle payments effortlessly, reducing costs and simplifying operations.
Let’s take a look at some innovators leading this charge:
- Square: This popular mPOS (mobile Point of Sale) app has turned smartphones into contactless payment readers. Merchants can use any NFC-enabled device to accept payments via Apple Pay, Google Pay, or contactless debit and credit cards.
- Alipay: As China’s leading mobile payment provider, Alipay has also embraced NFC. Their tap-and-pay service replaces the traditional QR code-based payment system. Shoppers simply tap their phone on an NFC tag at checkout, and the Alipay app opens automatically to complete the transaction.
- Other Players: Apps like Viva, SumUp, myPOS, Stripe, Tyle by Natwest, and more are also making it easier for merchants everywhere to turn their phones into card readers.
Payments in the palm of your hand
The convenience of using your phone as a payment terminal goes beyond just cost savings. It’s also about flexibility and portability. With this technology, merchants can accept payments anywhere, at a pop-up market, a trade show, or even while on the go.
For consumers, it means a faster and more secure checkout process, just tap and go.
But what about beyond payments? What if the same technology that powers NFC payments could unlock doors, access secure locations, or verify your identity?
Your phone as the reader doesn’t stop at contactless payments
If taking a payment where your phone is the acting card reader is the future of commerce, then unlocking a door where your phone is the acting reader is the future of NFC mobile access.
The same concept can be used for access control. For example Sentry Interactive’s readerless mobile credential software uses Android or iOS smartphone devices to read a passive NFC tag, known as a NFC Smart Access Tile. The smartphone device sends a signal to the cloud which communicates with a building’s existing access controller or network i/o board to unlock a door.
By using the smartphone as the active NFC reader and credential, it stays up-to-date with the latest software and security measures making it the most secure mobile credential reader out there. There are also no up-front or maintenance costs, your portable reader is already in your pocket.
Get in touch to find out how you can turn your mobile phone into a reader and credential
