Contactless payment made easy: an introduction to NFC technology

When you stand at the supermarket checkout these days and watch other people paying, you rarely see anyone pulling out a banknote. Instead, they use their debit card, credit card, smartphone or smartwatch. Cards no longer need to be inserted into the card terminal – a quick tap on the terminal is all it takes to pay for your shopping. But what is behind this practical innovation? The answer is NFC technology.

In this article, we explain what NFC is, how it works and why it can make everyday life so much easier.

What is NFC technology?

The abbreviation NFC stands for Near Field Communication. It sounds complicated, but it's actually quite simple: it's a technology that allows two devices to communicate wirelessly with each other as long as they are very close to each other. For example, your smartphone and the payment terminal exchange information at a very short distance (usually only a few centimetres).

NFC technology was developed in the early 2000s, but it only became widely used later on. From 2013 onwards, many banks began to automatically equip new debit and credit cards with NFC chips. The use of NFC in smartphones became more common from 2014 onwards thanks to services such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

What devices do I need for contactless payment with NFC?

First, you need a debit or credit card that is supported by your bank for Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. You also need to set up a ‘digital wallet’, i.e. a bank account, on your smartphone. For emporia smartphones and other Android devices, Google Wallet can be set up as follows:

· Set up display lock: Activate a display lock (PIN, pattern, fingerprint) in your smartphone's settings.

· Install app: Download the Google Wallet app from the Google Play Store and open it.

· Add card: Tap ‘+ Add to Wallet’ in the app and then ‘Payment card’. You can either scan your card with the camera or enter the details manually.

· Accept terms of use: Read and accept your bank's terms and conditions.

· Verify card: Your bank will send you a confirmation code via text message or email. Enter this code in the app.

· Activate NFC: Go to your smartphone's settings, search for NFC and activate this function. Make sure that Google Wallet is set as the default payment app.

If you need assistance with your emporia device, you will find relevant information and a contact form under ‘Help’.

How does contactless payment with NFC work?

If you want to make a contactless payment with your smartphone, proceed as follows:

· Look for the wave symbol (similar to Wi-Fi) on the payment terminal.

· Unlock your smartphone: Hold your smartphone in the unlocked state (via PIN, fingerprint or facial recognition) close to the payment terminal. For Apple devices, you will need to open the Wallet app before making the payment.

· A beep or a message on the terminal will confirm that the payment was successful.

· This means you don't have to enter a PIN, search for cash or handle small change.

Is contactless payment secure?

This is the most important question for many people – and the answer is: yes, very secure!

Many people fear that unauthorised persons could simply steal their data ‘remotely’. However, this concern is unfounded, as the following aspects ensure a high level of security:

· Short distance: NFC technology only works within a few centimetres. To transfer data, someone would have to hold a reader directly against your smartphone or wallet, which is not possible without being noticed.

· Encryption: The data exchanged between your card and the terminal is heavily encrypted. Even if someone tried to intercept it, it would be useless.

· No accidental payments: It is impossible to pay by mistake, as the payment process is only triggered when the merchant actively initiates it.

Can I use NFC for other things?

Yes, NFC can do much more. You can also use it to quickly connect devices (e.g. a smartphone to a speaker), read tickets or share photos and contacts. It is a versatile technology that makes your everyday life easier.