Try it NOW!
How to have a dataphone on your mobile

How to have a card reader on your mobile: the ultimate guide

28/07/2023


Written by Paylands Position Dpto Comunicación


Is it possible for your mobile to function as a card reader?

In an increasingly digital world, adapting to new payment methods and customer needs becomes crucial for businesses to ensure success and stay competitive.

One of the latest trends is Tap to pay, also known as tap on phone, tap to phone, or softpos. Why has this solution stood out? It turns a mobile phone into a card reader. With advances in technology, it is now possible to transform your phone into a payment tool. This system allows merchants to accept payments quickly and securely via mobile devices. As a result, there is no longer a need for traditional card readers, eliminating issues related to connectivity, receipts, or battery life.

In this article, we will explain in detail how to use your mobile as a card reader thanks to Tap to pay, the latest trend that has become indispensable for businesses looking to stay at the forefront of payment technology. We will explore its benefits, which businesses it is aimed at, and how to implement it to optimise the shopping experience.

Benefits of having a card reader on your mobile

Absolute mobility, total convenience

One of the greatest advantages of saying goodbye to traditional card readers is as simple as not having to carry it around. Often it can be cumbersome, but your mobile will be more than enough.

For example, businesses in the hospitality sector need to process payments quickly during peak times but cannot afford many POS devices due to high costs. With Tap to pay, waiters can carry their own mobiles and charge customers faster and more comfortably.

Additionally, opting for Tap to pay means no worries about connectivity or battery life, as mobile phones offer better connection and greater autonomy than a traditional card reader. You also won’t need to worry about having paper to print receipts, as you can send them directly to customers via email or by scanning a QR code. In short, it is a cheaper and more sustainable alternative.

Lower costs and reduced fees

Tap to pay means savings. Not hiring additional card readers allows you to leverage devices you already own, reducing expenses for businesses. Maintenance fees for card readers are also eliminated, which is an advantage for freelancers or small businesses. They only need a tablet or a smartphone, which can easily become a mobile POS.

Moreover, the app setup and activation is quick and simple, allowing merchants to start accepting payments efficiently. This results in a cost-effective solution that simplifies transactions and improves the financial efficiency of the business by reducing operational costs.

Easy installation and activation

To use your mobile as a card reader, simply download the app from Google Store and start the registration process. This involves filling out a form and verifying your details to determine the type of business. Once approved, you can log in with your registered details and have a card reader on your mobile.

As you can see, it is a very simple activation system that only takes a few minutes.

More information

Which businesses is it designed for?

Tap to pay is a versatile payment solution that can be used by all types of businesses as it can easily adapt to any situation. It applies to both large and small businesses that need mobility and convenience for payments or additional devices for special events.

Examples of sectors and businesses that can benefit from Tap to pay:

  • Small businesses

Local small shops are among the main businesses that can use this new payment system. Tap to pay allows them to streamline the payment process and provide a faster shopping experience for customers. Customers can pay with a card, via their mobile wallet, or other devices such as smartwatches.

  • Restaurants, bars, and cafés

The hospitality sector is a key target for Tap to pay, as they can benefit from the speed and convenience of having a POS on their mobile, allowing customers to make payments quickly and contactlessly. This way, diners don’t have to wait in long queues, and the flow of customers is more efficient.

  • Catering and event companies

Companies dedicated to events constantly need to move to different locations and often face last-minute changes. Having a card reader on a mobile phone eliminates the worry of a client needing extra hours or additional services not included in the initial budget. Among all the equipment they bring, they no longer have to carry an extra physical POS.

With a card reader on the phone, all payments are processed faster. Setup and teardown companies, entertainers, photographers, catering services, and music bands are just some examples that can benefit from Tap to pay.

  • Delivery services

Businesses offering food delivery, online shopping deliveries, or courier services can use Tap to pay to have a card reader on their mobile and receive payments efficiently and securely.

Imagine running a food delivery company. A customer places an order and, at delivery, wants to pay in cash. They don’t have the exact amount or only have large bills. With Tap to pay, the customer can pay exactly with their card or mobile, avoiding change issues and speeding up the delivery process, providing a smoother experience for both the customer and the delivery person.

  • Professional services

Accepting cash can be inconvenient if the client doesn’t have enough on hand. With Tap to pay, independent professionals—plumbers, electricians, locksmiths—can accept card or digital payments. This avoids change problems and speeds up the payment process, offering convenience for both the professional and the client. Having everything digital also reduces the risk of losing or having cash stolen.

You provide an excellent service, your client pays with Tap to pay, and you can move on to the next client. It’s that simple!

  • Beauty clinics and hairdressers

Hairdressers, beauty salons, massage therapists, physiotherapists, and makeup artists are just some professionals who can benefit from the convenience Tap to pay offers. Clients do not need to pay in cash, the professional does not need to provide change, and both enjoy a fast, secure, and hassle-free payment experience.

  • Events, fairs, and festivals

How many times have you gone to a festival or fair and seen huge queues for food? Tap to pay is ideal for temporary events, fairs, and festivals, allowing merchants to accept payments quickly without a fixed POS infrastructure. This speeds up payment, avoids long lines, and improves the overall event experience.

  • Public transport and taxis

Public transport companies, taxi services, and other mobility services can implement Tap to pay to offer contactless payment options to users. If a taxi driver drops off a passenger who realizes they don’t have enough cash, with Tap to pay, the driver has a card reader on their mobile, and the client can pay without any problem, without looking for an ATM or worrying about change.

As you can see, Tap to pay is a payment solution that adapts to all types of businesses. While we’ve mentioned examples, any business wanting to offer a modern, fast, and secure payment experience can benefit from Tap to pay. Whether you are a freelancer or run a small or medium-sized business, you can turn your phone into a card reader and start accepting contactless payments.

What do you need to use your mobile as a card reader?

One of the main advantages of Tap to pay is that it doesn’t require a major technical setup to start managing payments. Here are the main requirements to use your mobile as a card reader and the process to follow.

1. Check that your mobile is compatible

First, your phone must be Android with a version higher than 8 to use Tap to pay.

Another requirement to convert your mobile into a card reader is that your device must have NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. Most mobiles already include it, allowing data exchange between devices when they are a few centimetres apart.

To check if your phone has NFC:

  • Go to Settings.
  • Access Connections or Network & internet.
  • Look for the NFC option. If it doesn’t appear, check the manufacturer’s website to confirm if your device has this function.

2. Download the app

If your mobile is compatible, simply install the app on your device.

3. Set up your account

When opening the app, enter the email you used to register with Tap to pay, log in, set a password, and you’re ready. To charge your clients, enter the transaction amount, tap the card or mobile, and the payment will process instantly.

Turn your mobile into a card reader and grow your business

Tap to pay transforms the way your business collects payments. Thanks to contactless technology, you can accept payments in a modern, fast, and secure way via your mobile. From retail stores to delivery services and events, Tap to pay adapts to a wide range of businesses, providing a modern and practical tool to enhance your customers’ experience.

Fill out the contact form below, and our team will provide all the information you need, answer your questions, and show you how to make the most of this innovative solution.


    Paylands

    Paylands es una pasarela de pagos integral y omnicanal que ofrece a nuestros clientes una interfaz adaptable, segura y rápida. Nuestro objetivo es garantizar una experiencia de usuario ágil e intuitiva, para que el proceso de pago sea sencillo y rápido desde cualquier dispositivo.

    Learn more

    Related posts

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.