Few things to know about accepting NFC mobile payments

What is NFC?

 NFC (Near-field communication) has become a more common term in the payments industry over the last few years as it’s become a driver of mobile payments. Near Field Communication is a set of short-range wireless technologies, typically requiring a distance of 4 cm or less to initiate a connection. NFC allows you to share small payloads of data between an NFC tag and  an Android-powered device, or between two Android-powered devices.

What are NFC payments?

NFC is a wireless data transfer that permits tablets, smartphones, laptops, and other gadgets to share data when in near proximity. NFC technology powers contactless remittance via mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, in addition to contactless cards.

How do NFC mobile payments work?

NFC is similar to radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. However, it is limited to sharing data with other devices within about four inches. That’s why a consumer who’s paying with their mobile wallet must place their device close to the contactless payment reader.

How do NFC payments work with contactless payment technology?

NFC is also similar to Bluetooth technology but differs in that NFC doesn’t require device discovery or manual syncing like Bluetooth. It also uses less power than Bluetooth. NFC can be used three different ways:

1. P2P Two NFC-enabled devices can establish a connection and share data.
2. An active device, such as a phone, picks up data from a passive device which does not have the capability of reading information itself.
3. Card emulation: An NFC device can be used like a contactless credit card.

Card emulation use is the one that is most applicable to businesses because it allows for the acceptance of mobile wallet payment or contactless payments, 

Some facts why you should use NFC payment technology

1. Accepting NFC payments is easy and convenient
2. NFC mobile payment technology is designed to be stable, safe and secure
3.  Paying by smartphone is the new consumer normal
4. Accepting NFC mobile payments often deepens customer engagement
5. The future is contactless payments and commerce on the go.
6. NFC payments under an “honor-all-wallets” scenario
7. NFC payment equipment is priced right for small businesses