Tap and Go refers to a contactless payment method that allows customers to make purchases by simply tapping their payment card, smartphone, or wearable device on a compatible point-of-sale (POS) terminal. This technology uses Near-Field Communication (NFC) to securely transmit payment information. Here’s a breakdown of how it works and its benefits:

How Tap and Go Works

1. NFC Technology: A chip in the card or device communicates with the POS terminal when brought close (usually within 4 cm).
2. Authorization: For smaller amounts, no PIN or signature is required, speeding up transactions. For larger amounts, a PIN or biometric authentication (on smartphones) may be necessary.
3. Transaction: Payment information is encrypted and securely transmitted to the merchant’s bank for processing.

Benefits

• Speed: Transactions are completed faster than traditional swipe or insert methods.
• Convenience: No need to insert cards or handle cash.
• Security: Limited proximity reduces the risk of unauthorized access, and many systems employ tokenization or encryption to protect data.

Common Examples

• Contactless debit or credit cards.
• Digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay.
• Wearable devices like smartwatches or fitness bands with NFC capability.

Tap and Go is widely used for public transport, retail shopping, dining, and other quick-service environments.