How to Receive Contactless Payments Using Your Mobile Phone

Contactless payments, represent a payment methodology that allows consumers to carry out transactions without needing to touch a payment terminal or insert a card.

Technology has certainly made the daily lives of entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals increasingly easier.

One of the innovations that has gained the most ground is contactless payment, which uses NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to carry out financial transactions quickly and securely.

So if you want to turn your smartphone into a payment machine and start receiving payments via contactless payment, this article will guide you through the main steps and applications to do so.

What is Contactless Payment?

In short, contactless payment is a contactless payment method, where you simply need to bring your card, cell phone or other compatible device close to a payment terminal to complete the transaction.

Communication takes place through NFC technology, which allows data to be exchanged between two devices that are close to each other, usually less than 10 cm.

Furthermore, the use of this technology grew a lot during the pandemic, as it is a practical and hygienically safe option.

So today, in addition to credit and debit cards, it is possible to use smartphones, smartwatches and other wearable devices to make contactless payments.

How Does Receiving Contactless Payments on Mobile Work?

To receive contactless payments using your smartphone, you need three things: a device with NFC technology, an app that allows you to receive payments, and a bank account to receive the funds.

Let's detail each of these requirements below:

1. NFC enabled device: Make sure your smartphone has NFC technology. This can be checked in the device's settings. Newer models of Android smartphones and iPhones come with built-in NFC.
2. Payment Receiving Application: There are several apps that turn your smartphone into a payment machine, allowing you to receive payments by contactless means. These apps work in a similar way to traditional card machines, but they use your phone itself as the terminal.
3. Bank account: The value of transactions carried out through the application will be transferred to your bank account, so it is important to have an active account linked to the app you choose.

Best Apps for Receiving Contactless Payments

Let's now explore some of the best apps available on the market for those who want to receive contactless payments directly on their smartphone.

1. Mercado Pago

Mercado Pago is one of the most popular payment platforms in Latin America.

It offers a complete solution for entrepreneurs, with the possibility of receiving payments via QR code and proximity.

In addition, the app allows you to issue bills, make bank transfers and even offers a free digital account with a prepaid card.

Play Store Rating: 4.6/5
App Store Rating: 4.8/5

2. SumUp

SumUp is known for its card machines, but it also offers an app that allows you to receive contactless payments without the need for an additional device.

With SumUp, you can accept credit and debit card payments directly from your smartphone.

Play Store Rating: 4.5/5
App Store Rating: 4.7/5

3. PagSeguro

PagSeguro is another popular option in Brazil, offering a variety of payment solutions.

In short, the PagBank app allows you to receive contactless payments and offers a digital account with several features, such as bill payments, transfers and automatic income.

Play Store Rating: 4.3/5
App Store Rating: 4.5/5

How to Start Receiving Contactless Payments

Now that you know the main apps for receiving contactless payments, it's time to put them into practice.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you start using your smartphone as a payment machine:

1. Check NFC: In your smartphone's settings, activate the NFC function if it is not already activated.
2. Choose an App: Download one of the apps suggested above. Consider the features offered, fees applied, and ease of use.
3. Sign up: Open your chosen app and follow the instructions to create an account. You'll need to provide personal and banking information to link your account.
4. Configure Receiving: In the app, set up how you want to receive payments. Typically, this involves choosing the type of transaction (credit, debit) and the amount to be charged.
5. Start Receiving: Now you’re ready to start accepting contactless payments! Simply open the app, enter the transaction amount, and tap your NFC-enabled device against the customer.

Final considerations

In conclusion, receiving contactless payments using your smartphone is a practical and modern solution, especially for small entrepreneurs and freelancers who need flexibility.

Additionally, with the available application options like PagSeguro, you can choose the one that best suits your needs and start accepting payments quickly and securely.

The tools presented not only make it easier to receive payments, but also offer a range of additional financial services that can further simplify the management of your business.

So choose the right app, follow the setup steps, and start enjoying the benefits of NFC technology in your everyday life.

If you haven't tried this payment method yet, it's worth exploring the possibilities and seeing how it can transform the way you manage your finances.