When you're out and about, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not you have enough cash on hand to make a purchase. Thankfully, with tap and pay options, you can quickly and easily make payments without having to carry around cash or fumble for your credit card.
Tap and pay is a contactless payment method that uses near field communication (NFC) technology to allow you to make payments with your smartphone, smartwatch, or other NFC-enabled device. All you need to do is tap your device on the payment terminal and your payment will be processed.
One of the great things about tap and pay is that it's quick and convenient. There's no need to enter your PIN or sign for a purchase, so you can get in and out of the store quickly. And because your payment information is stored securely on your device, you don't have to worry about losing your credit card or having it stolen.
If you're new to tap and pay, here's everything you need to know to get started.
How to Use Tap and Pay
Using tap and pay is simple: just look for the contactless payment symbol at the checkout and tap your device on the terminal. Your device must be turned on and unlocked, and you may need to open your payment app before tapping.
If you're using Apple Pay, you'll need to double-click the side button and hold your iPhone near the contactless reader. With Google Pay, just hold your phone close to the terminal. And if you're using Samsung Pay, hold your phone close to the terminal and tap the screen.
You may be asked to enter your PIN or provide a signature for a purchase, depending on the amount of the transaction and the policies of the merchant.
What Devices Can Be Used for Tap and Pay?
Most smartphones, smartwatches, and other NFC-enabled devices can be used for tap and pay. This includes devices such as the iPhone 6/6 Plus and later, Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy S5/S6/S7/S8/S9/Note 8, and many others.
If you're not sure if your device is NFC-enabled, you can check the specifications or contact the manufacturer.
What Apps Can Be Used for Tap and Pay?
There are several different apps that can be used for tap and pay, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. There are also many banks and credit card companies that offer their own tap and pay apps, such as Chase Pay, Citi Pay, and Wells Fargo Wallet.
To find out if your bank or credit card company offers a tap and pay app, you can check their website or contact customer service.
What Stores Accept Tap and Pay?
Tap and pay can be used at millions of stores around the world, including many major retailers such as Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and more. You can also use tap and pay for public transit in many cities, such as London, New York, and San Francisco.
To find out if a store accepts tap and pay, you can check the payment terminal for the contactless payment symbol or ask the cashier.
How to Set Up Tap and Pay
If you want to use tap and pay, you'll need to set it up on your device first. For Apple Pay, you can add your credit or debit card to the Wallet app. With Google Pay, you'll need to download the app and add your credit or debit card.
For Samsung Pay, you'll need to download the app and add your credit or debit card. You can also add loyalty cards and gift cards to Samsung Pay.
Once you've added your card to the app, you're ready to start using tap and pay. Just look for the contactless payment symbol and tap your device on the terminal.
