Tap on Mobile – Turning your Phone into a POS

What is Tap on Mobile?

Tap on Mobile (also known as Tap to Phone or SoftPOS) is an innovative technology that transforms standard NFC-enabled smartphones or tablets into payment acceptance devices. This technology allows merchants to accept Tap to Pay contactless payments directly on their mobile devices without requiring additional hardware like traditional POS terminals.

With Tap on Mobile solutions, any compatible Android smartphone becomes a payment terminal capable of processing contactless card transactions, mobile wallet payments, and even UPI payments that have become ubiquitous across India. This technology leverages the built-in NFC (Near Field Communication) capabilities present in most modern smartphones.

How Tap on Mobile Works ?

The Tap on Mobile technology functions through a simple yet sophisticated process -

• Application Installation - Merchants download and install a certified SoftPOS application from a provider like Worldline.
• Merchant Onboarding - After registration and verification, the merchant account is activated for payment processing.
• Transaction Initiation - The merchant enters the payment amount in the app.
• Payment Processing - The customer simply taps their contactless card or smartphone against the merchant's device.
• Secure Authentication - The transaction is securely processed using the same encryption standards as traditional terminals.
• Confirmation - Both merchant and customer receive instant confirmation of the completed transaction.

The entire process relies on secure contactless mobile payments technology, adhering to the same stringent security protocols used in traditional payment terminals.

Comparison between Traditional POS and Tap on Mobile Solutions

Benefits of Tap on Mobile

The adoption of Tap on Mobile technology offers numerous advantages for Indian businesses:

Cost Efficiency

By eliminating the need for hardware, businesses can save significantly -

• No upfront hardware costs
• Reduced maintenance expenses
• No rental fees for equipment

Enhanced Mobility

The mobile payment terminal functionality enables -

• Complete freedom of movement for businesses on the go
• Ability to accept payments anywhere with mobile data connectivity
• Perfect for delivery personnel and service providers who visit customers

Quick Deployment

Unlike traditional POS systems that require extensive setup -

• Download and installation take minutes
• Merchant onboarding can be completed within hours
• Instant ability to accept payments

Improved Customer Experience

Tap to Pay capabilities enhance the customer journey -

• Faster transaction processing times
• Contactless experience appreciated in post-pandemic India
• Familiar payment method for tech-savvy Indian consumers

How to Set Up Tap on Mobile

Setting up Tap on Mobile for your business involves these straightforward steps -

Check Device Compatibility

• For Android - Ensure your smartphone has NFC capability and runs on Android 8.0 or higher
• For iOS - Currently, Apple restricts NFC access for payment acceptance, making SoftPOS solutions primarily available on Android devices in India
• Select a Provider - Choose a payment service provider like Worldline that offers Tap on Phone for merchants.
• Download the Application - Install the provider's SoftPOS application from the Google Play Store (for Android users).
• Complete Registration - Provide necessary business information and KYC documents required by RBI regulations.
• Accept Terms - Review and accept the terms and conditions, including processing fees.
• Verification - Complete the verification process, which may include video KYC as per Indian regulatory requirements.
• Training - Complete any required training modules to understand the application's features.
• Start Accepting Payments - Once approved, your smartphone is ready to accept contactless payments.

Note - As of May 2025, Apple has begun to allow third-party developers access to the iPhone’s NFC capabilities for contactless payments through its NFC & Secure Element (SE) Platform, introduced with iOS 18.1. 

This change enables developers to offer in-app NFC transactions separate from Apple Pay and Apple Wallet. However, this access is currently limited to specific regions, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with additional locations expected to follow.

In India, Apple has not yet extended this NFC access to third-party developers. This is why Tap on Mobile solutions remain predominantly available on Android devices in the Indian market. As the technology domain continues to evolve, businesses are encouraged to stay updated on future compatibility developments.

Use Cases for Tap on Mobile

Tap on Mobile technology is revolutionizing how payments are accepted across diverse sectors in India. In retail and small businesses, this includes everyday neighborhood kirana stores, as well as temporary pop-up shops often seen at events like Diwali melas or craft bazaars. 

The food and beverage industry also benefits, with food delivery partners, small restaurants and cafes, and food stalls at festivals all utilizing this technology.

Professional services have adopted Tap on Mobile, enabling independent professionals such as CAs or legal consultants to easily accept payments. It's also convenient for home service providers like urban plumbers or electricians, and beauty professionals offering at-home salon services in metropolitan areas. 

Finally, the agriculture and rural markets are seeing a significant impact, with farmers selling produce directly to consumers at mandis, rural artisans at haats and government-organized craft exhibitions, and agricultural equipment rental services all leveraging this payment solution.

Worldline Tap on Mobile Solution

Worldline's Tap on Mobile solution offers Indian businesses a comprehensive package:

• Easy Integration - Simple setup process with minimal documentation
• Enhanced Security - PCI-DSS compliant system with end-to-end encryption
• Unified Platform - Accept credit cards, debit cards, and UPI payments
• Real-time Analytics - Track sales performance and transaction history
• Customizable Features - Adaptable to various business needs
• Multi-language Support - Available in major Indian languages
• 24/7 Support - Dedicated assistance for merchants across India

With Worldline's reputation as a trusted payment service provider across India, businesses gain the confidence to embrace contactless mobile payments with peace of mind. As India continues its journey toward a less-cash economy, Tap to Pay solutions will play a crucial role in bringing more merchants into the digital payment ecosystem.  Whether you're a small retailer in a tier-3 city or a service professional in metropolitan India, Tap on Mobile offers an accessible entry point into the world of digital payment acceptance.

Ready to transform your smartphone into a payment terminal? 

Contact us today to learn more about our Tap on Mobile solutions designed specifically for the Indian market.