How to accept contactless payments on your phone
Date: 22/04/26
Since being introduced in 2007, contactless payments have evolved from initial scepticism to being largely embraced by the majority of consumers, with many now preferring contactless for in-store payments.
In 2026, most new card terminals have the functionality to take contactless card payments, but can you take contactless payments without one?
Can I take card payments on my phone without a card reader?
In short, yes, you can.
With Tap-to-Pay technology, your mobile device (whether android or iPhone) can be turned into a payment terminal to accept contactless payments and payments from digital wallets.
Other ways to take payments without a card reader include using a Virtual Terminal - an online portal which allows you to manage and accept card payments from anywhere. With this option, you can enter card details securely when needed or send payment links directly to your customers.
How to take Tap-to-Pay payments on a phone
Tap-to-Pay is a type of SoftPOS (software point-of-sale) solution that uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to turn smartphones or tablets into contactless payment terminals without any extra hardware.
To do this, you need to download a supported payment app and ensure your device supports NFC and that it is switched on.
Android:
Open Settings, select Connected devices, then select Connection preferences and switch NFC on.
iPhone:
If you have a recent iPhone model, NFC is automatically enabled as long as your phone is switched on.
For older iPhone models, open Settings, select Control Centre, navigate to the More Controls section, and add NFC Tag Reader if it is not already visible. Return to the home screen and open the Control Centre by swiping from the bottom or top of the screen. From here, you will see the NFC button and can tap it to activate.
How do I know if my phone can take contactless payments?
Budget Android phones and older iPhone models are less likely to support NFC for use as a payment terminal.
Most Android phones from 2015 onwards and iPhones from the iPhone 6 and later support NFC.
Unsure which device model you have? Search for “NFC” in your phone settings to check whether your device is eligible.
If you are looking to purchase a new phone, most newer models support NFC. For added reassurance, simply check your phone’s brand and model online to confirm NFC capability.
Apps that let you take card payments on your phone
There are several apps available that allow you to use your phone as a card terminal to accept contactless card payments.
These apps use Tap-to-Pay technology and don’t require any additional hardware, making them an accessible option for many businesses.
Pricing, transaction fees, supported card types and additional features vary between providers, so it’s important to compare options to find the solution that aligns best with your business.
Benefits of taking contactless payments on your phone
Mobility
Need to be on-site with a customer? Or is your business frequently on the move? Using your phone to take payments allows you to accept payments wherever you need to be.
Convenience
No longer do you need to divert your customer to the checkout to make a purchase. Take payments wherever it is most convenient, whether you are walking a customer around your store or assisting them with a product. Take payments when and where it is convenient to do so through your device.
Cost-effective
By using your phone to accept contactless payments, you avoid purchasing additional hardware, reducing upfront costs. With simple pricing models available, this can be a cost-effective solution to take payments for your business.
Speed
With Tap to Pay, contactless payments can be completed quickly and seamlessly, helping to reduce queues and serve customers faster. Create a smoother checkout experience allowing staff to serve more customers in less time.
Reliability
Have the extra reassurance that if there are ever any issues with your card terminal, whether that be connectivity problems or technical issues, your phone can act as a reliable backup. Continue accepting payments without disruption to avoid lost sales and maintain a smooth customer experience.
Improved customer experience
Allow customers to pay quickly and conveniently, helping to minimise queues and deliver a more positive overall shopping experience.
Could taking contactless payments on your phone work for your business?
Depending on how your business operates, accepting contactless payments on your phone may be a practical choice.
This option works particularly well for tradespeople, market vendors, and pop up retailers, where mobility and flexibility are essential.
However, it can also benefit businesses that need to prioritise speed, reduce queues, and improve the overall customer experience.
Summary
Accepting contactless payments on your phone can be a flexible and cost-effective solution for businesses.
Several apps are available which provide the ability to transform your smartphone into a payment terminal, each with different benefits and pricing to cater for all.
As long as your device supports NFC and you have signed up with the relevant app, you are ready to start taking contactless payments on your smartphone.
