What is Tap to Phone?

Tap to Phone, or TTP, has been a game changer for businesses of all sizes worldwide. This simple, cost-effective solution allows sellers — from micro-entrepreneurs to major retailers — to accept contactless payments using their NFC-enabled smartphone. With a quick app download, merchants can accept contactless payments with a phone, without the need for card readers or extra hardware.?

Tap to Phone saw an impressive 200 percent year-over-year growth, with the United States, U.K. and Brazil leading the charge — these three markets alone recorded a combined growth rate of 234 percent.?

As more businesses embrace Tap to Phone, many cash-only businesses are making the shift to secure digital payments, unlocking new opportunities for growth, efficiency and convenience.?

Built on the robust security of EMV chip technology and reinforced by Visa, and in some cases, PCI security standards, Tap to Phone ensures every transaction is safe, seamless and reliable, making it a trusted solution for businesses around the world.?

Benefits of Tap to Phone?

Sellers using traditional point-of-sale (POS) terminals are tied to a fixed location, requiring customers to come to them. With Tap to Phone, sellers gain the freedom to travel, assist customers wherever they are and close sales instantly at the moment of decision. This flexibility enhances the shopping experience and boosts sales opportunities. With Tap to Phone, sellers enjoy:?

• Quick setup. Sellers can quickly download an app on their smartphone and start accepting contactless payments. No more scrambling for cash or losing sales due to limited payment options — now, with just a simple tap, they can accept eligible card and mobile wallet payments anytime, anywhere.?
• Speed, convenience and flexibility. Sellers can reduce customer wait times for payment and gain new flexibility in running a business that can be located anywhere.??

• Customer satisfaction. Research shows that customers prefer the convenience of being able to simply tap their card or device to pay and be on their way.??

• Physical safety. Using TTP reduces a seller’s need to hold and manage cash, a safety measure that many sellers can appreciate.?

Democratization of commerce?

Nearly 30 percent of Tap to Phone users are new small businesses1, highlighting the technology’s role in fostering entrepreneurship. Innovations in digital payments like TTP are transforming the landscape, giving small and medium-sized businesses the tools to compete with larger enterprises. From independent vendors to retail associates assisting customers on the sales floor, Tap to Phone enables seamless, secure payments — anytime, anywhere.?

“Adding Tap to Phone technology creates a good and fast payment experience for our clients,” says Lucas Avelino, owner of the Santa Felicidade restaurant in Brazil. “It brings a sense of technology and innovation to my restaurant,” he added.?

This not only elevates the customer experience but also empowers small business owners with greater confidence, enabling them to streamline operations, increase efficiency and drive business growth.?

Tap to the future?

Building on Tap to Phone’s growing success, Visa is innovating new ways to integrate seamless tap experiences throughout the payment journey.?

• Tap to Add Card: Allows you to tap your contactless card to your phone to add your Visa card to your digital wallet, instead of manually inputting card details.??

• Tap to Send and Request: Allows you to tap your physical card or card credential to the digital wallet on a friend’s phone to securely send and receive money quickly and seamlessly.??

• Tap to Confirm: Allows consumers to quickly and securely confirm their identity to make a high-value transfer or transaction with a tap.??

These digital innovations are paving the way for a future of effortless, seamless and more convenient ways to pay.?

Learn more about Tap to Phone:?

• Visa Tap to Phone?

• How Tap to Phone helped transform one Brooklyn business?

• The power of Tap to Phone for financial inclusion?

• Grow contactless payments with Tap to Phone?

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