If you’ve been keeping up with the latest news in restaurant payment technology, you may have heard about something called “contactless payments.” But what are they, and how do they work?

Contactless payments are being utilized by thousands of business owners. To keep your customer base as satisfied as possible, it benefits you to know what these payment methods are, what they can do for you, and why you should incorporate contactless payment technology into your restaurant business plan.

Contactless payments are growing fast in popularity, especially because of online ordering apps. When viewed in context of other payment gateway providers and payment processing software, they make up for the inconvenience of carrying large amounts of cash around with you daily. Read on to learn more about this innovative restaurant technology.

What Is Contactless Payment?

Contactless payments are a type of payment that uses NFC technology. Contactless payments are made possible by NFC-enabled debit/credit cards, mobile phones, and other devices.

It allows you to pay by tapping or waving your card or device near a contactless point of sale technology. Contactless payments are often faster and more convenient than traditional methods, such as cash or credit cards. They are available both on-premise at merchants and off-premise, such as when paying for a bus ride or train ticket. (see on premise vs off premise software)

What Is An NFC?

Near-field communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless technology that enables two NFC-enabled devices to communicate with each other when they are close together. NFC can be used for various purposes, such as sharing data, connecting to Wi-Fi networks, and making payments.

Contactless Point-Of-Sale Definition

A contactless POS (point-of-sale) is a type of point-of-sale terminal that allows customers to make payments without physically touching the terminal. Instead, customers hold their payment card or other NFC-enabled devices near the terminal, and the payment is processed wirelessly. Many POS partners offer contactless payment options to provide customers with convenience and safety.

Benefits of Contactless Payment

When it comes to paying for meals in restaurants, customers today have more options than ever before. Contactless payments offer a convenient and secure way to pay, and more restaurants are starting to accept them.

Here are eight benefits of using contactless payments in your restaurant:

1. Less Physical Contact

It reduces the amount of physical contact between people. This is especially important in the current climate, where reducing physical touch is one of the best ways to reduce the spread of bacteria and risk of infection.

2. Convenience

It is more convenient than other methods such as cash or credit cards. Customers can tap their card or smartphone on the contactless reader to pay. This is faster and more convenient than waiting for the bill and finding cash or a card to pay with.

3. Security

It is more secure than other payment methods. With contactless payments, the customer’s card or smartphone never leaves their hand, so there is no risk of it being lost or stolen.

Additionally, contactless payments are encrypted, so even if a customer’s card or smartphone is lost or stolen, the thief would not be able to use it to make payments.

4. Lower Fraud Losses

It helps restaurants reduce fraud losses. With contactless payments, each transaction is unique and can be tracked. This makes it more difficult for thieves to commit fraud and helps restaurants identify and prevent fraudulent activity.

5. Increased Sales

Contactless payments can also help increase restaurant sales. Customers who use this type of payment tend to spend more per transaction than those who use cash or credit cards. This is because contactless payments are more convenient and customers do not have to worry about carrying change.

6. Efficiency

With contactless payments, customers can tap their card or phone on a terminal to make a payment without fumbling with cash or waiting for a server to process a traditional credit card payment.

This can help to speed up transactions and keep lines moving quickly. In addition, contactless payments can help reduce costs associated with processing payments, such as transaction fees.

7. Improved Customer Satisfaction

Contactless payments also improve customer satisfaction. It is more convenient and offer a more secure and seamless experience. Customers who use contactless payments tend to be more satisfied with their overall experience in a restaurant.

8. Less Paper Waste

With contactless payments, customers can choose to have their receipt emailed or texted to them, eliminating the need for a physical receipt. This reduces paper waste and makes it easier for customers to track their spending.

How Does Contactless Payment Work?

As more and more people are looking for ways to avoid handling cash, contactless payments are becoming increasingly popular. So how does it work? Here’s a quick rundown:

Contactless payments are made possible by NFC. When you wave/tap your card or device near an NFC reader, it sends a signal to the payment terminal.

The terminal then communicates with the issuer of your card requesting authorization for the transaction (which may be one of the best banks). This is to make sure there are enough funds in your account to cover the purchase.

The issuer then verifies that you have enough funds available and approves the transaction. Once that’s confirmed, the transaction is processed and you’re good to go. All of this happens in just a few seconds!

Are Contactless Payments Safe?

The short answer is yes. Contactless payments are just as safe as any other credit or debit card payment. The data exchanged between your card and the merchant’s terminal is encrypted, so it can’t be intercepted and used by someone else.

There are also multiple layers of security built into the technology, making it very difficult for criminals to skim your card or steal your information. Plus, your personal information is never shared with the merchant when you use contactless payment, so there’s no risk of it being stolen.

Of course, as with anything, there are always risks. But the chances of your contactless payment being hacked are very low.

Why Contactless Payments Could Be the Future of Shopping

The pandemic has changed the way we live and shop. Contactless payments have become the norm, and it’s not hard to see why.

There are many benefits to using contactless payments. They’re convenient, fast, and secure. And as more businesses adopt them, we’ll likely see even more people using them for their everyday purchases.

So what does the future of shopping look like? It’s hard to say, but it seems likely that contactless payments will play a significant role. With their many advantages, they are positioned to be the future of shopping.

If you’re a business owner, it’s essential to consider whether or not you should start accepting them. And if you’re a customer, it’s critical to be aware of the benefits of using contactless payments to make the best choice for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Contactless Payments

What Is the Technology Behind Contactless Payment?

The technology behind contactless payments uses NFC, Radio-frequency identification (RFID), and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). BLE is a newer technology that uses Bluetooth to communicate with devices. BLE has a shorter range than NFC and RFID, but does not require line of sight to work. BLE is often used for wearable devices, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches.

What Are Examples of Contactless Payment?

Some examples of contactless payment methods include:

• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• Samsung Pay
• NFC payment
• RFID payment
• QR codes

How Do I Know If My Card Is Contactless?

The easiest way to tell if your card is contactless is to look for the contactless symbol on the front or back of your card. Contactless cards have a wave-like character that resembles an inverted Wi-Fi symbol on your card. If you see this symbol, your card is most likely contactless-enabled.

Is There a Limit On Contactless Payments in the US?

Yes, there is a limit on contactless payments in the US. Contactless payments are typically limited to a maximum amount per transaction, known as a Cardholder Verification Limit (CVM limit).

Limits vary between banks. For transactions over the defined CVM limit a verification is usually required (e.g. PIN, Signature or biometric authentication).