What Is Tap to Pay?
How tap-to-pay works using NFC, mobile apps, and compatible devices
Intro
Tap to Pay is a fast and secure payment method that allows customers to make purchases by simply tapping a card or mobile device on a compatible payment terminal. It eliminates the need to insert or swipe cards, providing a frictionless checkout experience.
Main Definition
Tap to Pay, also known as contactless payment, relies on Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to complete transactions with a single tap. It is widely used in retail, transport, hospitality, and service industries. Businesses benefit from faster transactions, shorter queues, and improved customer satisfaction. Despite some misconceptions, Tap to Pay is highly secure — using encryption and tokenisation to protect sensitive payment information during each transaction.
Examples
A coffee shop customer pays by tapping their smartphone at the counter using Apple Pay or Google Pay.
A taxi passenger taps their contactless debit card on a CabFare terminal to pay for their trip.
A market vendor uses the CabFare Tap to Pay app to accept secure payments directly from their phone — no card reader required.
Key Relationships
Cash Flow: Tap to Pay speeds up transactions, helping businesses process more sales with less friction.
Compliance: Payment systems must meet security and PCI standards to offer Tap to Pay features.
Expenses: Businesses may need to invest in NFC-enabled terminals or mobile POS solutions to support Tap to Pay.
Contactless: Tap to Pay is a form of contactless payment using radio frequency signals for secure data exchange.
Use Tap to Pay with CabFare
CabFare’s Tap to Pay app transforms any compatible phone into a secure, NFC-ready payment terminal — no extra hardware required. Designed for taxi drivers, sole traders, and mobile businesses, it allows you to accept payments in seconds using just your device. Fast to set up, easy to use, and fully compliant with industry standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tap to Pay secure?
Yes. It uses encrypted data and tokenisation to protect customer details and prevent fraud.Do I need special equipment to accept Tap to Pay?
You’ll need an NFC-enabled terminal or an app like the CabFare Tap to Pay app on a compatible smartphone.Can Tap to Pay be used for any amount?
Tap to Pay is often used for low-to-mid value purchases. Limits vary by country and provider, but many terminals support higher-value Tap to Pay with PIN entry.
