What is a Contactless Payment and How Does it Work?

These days, people want to pay quickly and easily. No more searching for cash or typing in a PIN. Just a simple tap, and they’re done. That’s why contactless payment is getting so popular.

More than half (51%) of Americans are now using some form of contactless payment, and that number’s only going up.

So, how does it actually work? How can it fit into your POS system and existing payment processing solutions? Let’s break it down.

What are contactless payments?

So, what exactly are contactless payments?

It’s a way to pay without swiping. No inserting your card. No PIN. Just a tap, using your card, phone, watch, or another device.

It works with smart technology like RFID (radio frequency identification) and NFC (near-field communication) to process payments quickly and safely.

Customers simply tap their card or device near a POS terminal that supports contactless payments. This method, often called “tap-and-go,” is now a common feature in modern payment processing solutions, helping businesses speed up service and improve the checkout experience.

To learn more about the technology that contactless payments use, check out our complete guide: What is NFC payment.

A brief history of contactless technology

Contactless payments might feel new. But they’ve been around since the 90s.

At first, hardly anyone used them. Just a few shops. A few banks.

One of the first contactless systems launched in 1995 in Seoul, South Korea. The city’s transit authority introduced the UPass, which allowed riders to quickly pay for bus trips using contactless technology.

Then in 1997, the US got a taste. Mobil launched Speedpass. A little fob you tapped to pay for fuel. Across the Atlantic, in the UK, things really took off. London’s Oyster Card changed the game for commuters and by 2014, even credit and debit cards could tap in on the Tube.

Compared to other countries, the US has been slower to adopt contactless payments. However, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated adoption everywhere as businesses and consumers looked for safer payment options that avoided physical contact.

Now, it's absolutely essential to offer contactless payment options at your business.

How do contactless payments work?

So, how does contactless payment actually work? It’s pretty simple.

• Step 1: Customer taps their contactless card, smartphone, or wearable device near a POS terminal that supports contactless payments. Look for the little contactless payment symbol, it’s like a Wi-Fi icon on its side. If you see it, you can tap to pay.
• Step 2: The terminal uses NFC (that’s near-field communication) to read your payment info securely.
• Step 3: That information zips over to the payment processor. If it’s under the contactless limit, there’s no PIN, no signature.
• Step 4: Once it’s approved, the payment’s done. Your receipt, printed or digital, pops out.

Quick tip. If you’re thinking about adding contactless payments, make sure your credit card terminals can handle it. 

Many customers now prefer mobile wallets like Google Pay, so knowing how to accept Google Pay on your POS system can help you cater to their needs and keep transactions quick.

Types of contactless payments

Contactless payments come in several forms, giving your customers plenty of easy ways to pay without cash or cards.

Contactless credit & debit cards

These are probably what most people think of first. 

Contactless on a credit or debit card lets customers just tap their card on your payment terminal instead of swiping the magnetic stripe or inserting the card. 

Mobile wallets: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay

Mobile wallets are apps that keep payment details safe on a phone or tablet.

With Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay, customers don’t even need their physical card.

They just hold their phone (or watch) near the credit card terminal, and that’s it, paid in seconds.

If you want to know how mobile payments can help your business run better, check out our article on how using mobile payments increases business efficiency.

Wearables: smartwatches, fitness trackers, key fobs

Wearables are devices people wear every day (like smartwatches or fitness trackers) that can also make contactless payments.

Instead of pulling out a phone or card, customers can simply tap their watch, smart ring, or key fob on your terminal. It’s really handy and growing in popularity, especially with people who like quick, hands-free payments.

Other emerging options: QR code-based solutions

Not all contactless payments use tap technology. Some newer methods use QR codes. Customers scan a code on their phone or at the checkout to pay. This option works well in places where NFC might not be available yet but you still want to offer a quick, touch-free payment method.

To get a clearer picture of all the ways your customers can pay, have a look at our guide on payment methods.

Why are contactless payments secure?

Contactless payments use advanced security features to keep transactions safe for both businesses and customers. Here’s how they protect everyone involved:

Tokenization and encryption explained

When you tap your card or phone, your actual card details don’t get sent.

Instead, a one-time digital code called a token is created for that payment.

It’s encrypted, so hackers can’t steal your payment information.

No need for physical swiping or chip insertion (reduces fraud risk)

Since there’s no swipe or chip insertion, there’s way less risk of card skimming or cloning.

Consumer protections (bank liability, payment limits)

Banks and other financial institutions back contactless payments with strong consumer protections. If a fraudulent charge happens, many banks take on the liability, not the customer. Plus, there are spending limits on contactless transactions to add an extra layer of security.

These combined security measures make contactless payment one of the safest secure payments options available today.

To learn how to make checkout easier and safer, see our guide on how to streamline payments.

Benefits of contactless payments for businesses and customers

Contactless payments offer real advantages that help both businesses and customers. Here’s why they’re becoming a must-have for retail and hospitality:

• Faster checkout speeds: Stores that use contactless payments see checkout times drop by 20–30%. Some can even finish a payment in under 10 seconds during busy times. This means you can serve more customers faster and keep lines moving.
• Reduced queue times and improved customer experience: Because of the faster checkout speeds mentioned above, lines move quicker and customers spend less time waiting. In fact, 67% of shoppers say they’re willing to abandon their purchase if the line is too long. Keeping checkout fast helps keep customers happy and less likely to walk away.
• Hygienic (especially post-pandemic): Contactless payments mean less touching of cash, cards, or PIN pads, which helps reduce the spread of germs. Since the pandemic, many customers prefer this safer, cleaner way to pay.
• Lower wear and tear on POS hardware: Because customers just tap or wave their card or device, there’s less physical use of the payment machines. This means your retail point of sale solution terminals stay in better shape longer, with fewer repairs or replacements needed.

How to accept contactless payments in your business

Here’s a quick checklist to get started with contactless payments:

• Hardware and software requirements: Use payment terminals or POS systems that support contactless technology and ensure your payment processing solutions can handle tap-to-pay transactions securely.
• Choosing a compatible POS system: Pick a POS system designed to accept contactless payments and other modern methods, so checkouts are fast and secure.
• Setting up digital wallets for acceptance: Enable NFC-compatible payment options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay by working with your payment provider.
• Employee training: Train your staff to recognize the contactless symbol, assist customers with tapping their cards or devices, and troubleshoot common issues.

For more tips on payment options and setup, see our guides on payment processing solutions and how to streamline payments.

Conclusion

That’s all from us! We’ve gone over how contactless payments work, the different ways your customers can pay, and why they’re good for your business. You also know what you need to get started and how to keep payments safe. Using contactless payments means faster checkouts and happier customers.

Ready to make checkout faster and easier? Discover how Epos Now payment processing solutions can help your business accept contactless payments smoothly and securely. Check it out today!