Contactless payments have surged in popularity in recent years, transforming the way individuals and businesses conduct transactions. The contactless payment market is projected to expand at an 18% compound annual growth rate, reaching more than $12 billion globally by 2032. This payment method leverages near-field communication (NFC) technology, allowing users to make secure and convenient transactions by simply tapping their contactless-enabled cards, smartphones, or wearable devices on compatible payment terminals. About 80% of consumers now use contactless payments, and this preference for fast transactions is not limited to younger generations.
Digital payment technologies like these are driving industry transformation. Executives, directors, and senior-level managers in financial services have recognized that adoption of contactless payments is a strategic imperative, both for operational efficiency and creating competitive advantage in the evolving financial services industry. Consumers increasingly prioritize speed and convenience in their transactions. Embracing contactless payments meets customer expectations and enhances the institution’s overall engagement with a modern, digital-first customer base. Businesses that lag in implementing this payment method risk losing market share to more agile competitors.
Advantages of Contactless Payments
Some of the key business advantages that contactless payments offer are convenience and speed. They deliver seamless experiences by leveraging technology to eliminate unnecessary steps and reduce processing times. Consumers simply tap or wave their card, wearable device or smartphone near the near-field communication (NFC) terminal, and the transaction is completed in seconds. Contactless payments are up to 10 times faster than traditional payment methods.
Contactless payments are particularly well-suited for low-cost transactions. The quick and easy nature of tapping a card or device makes it practical for everyday purchases like coffee, snacks, or public transportation fares. This convenience encourages users to choose contactless payments for routine transactions, further streamlining the overall payment process.
During the pandemic, about half (48%) of consumers said they would not shop at a store that didn’t offer contactless payments. Consumers and businesses alike experienced the speed and convenience of contactless payments and now, there’s no going back.
Ease of Use and Time Savings
Other advantages of contactless payments are the ease of use and time-saving benefits for both customers and businesses. Because they can be made using a variety of devices, contactless payments enable customers to choose the method that suits their preferences and lifestyle, which contributes to a seamless and user-friendly experience. Many contactless payments are integrated with mobile wallet applications, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. These wallets consolidate multiple payment methods and loyalty programs, allowing users to make secure and swift transactions with just a few taps on their smartphones. In addition, widespread merchant acceptance of the digital payment technology enhances the convenience for users since they can rely on contactless payments in various locations.
For businesses, contactless payments are a strategy for optimizing payment processes through:
- Faster transaction processing, which reduces wait times at the point of sale, driving increased customer throughput and shorter queues – a competitive advantage especially during peak customer traffic hours
- Smooth and efficient handling of high transaction volumes, which enhances operational efficiency
- A cashless environment, which minimizes the need to handle physical currency and also reduces the risk of errors, theft, and time spent on cash handling and reconciliation
- Integration with loyalty programs such as travel and experience offerings, which allows businesses to seamlessly incorporate loyalty incentives into the payment process. This encourages repeat business and customer retention without adding time-consuming steps.
- Greater accuracy in recording and tracking sales
For all of these reasons, contactless payments have become the norm in financial services as well as other industries such as retail, transportation, hospitality, and telecommunications.
Enhanced security
Another key advantage is management of security risk. Nearly two-thirds (62%) of businesses say the need to increase fraud prevention is urgent. Contactless payments often use advanced security features such as tokenization and encryption to mitigate risks associated with fraud.
Tokenization in contactless payments is designed to protect sensitive payment information during transactions. With tokenization, the actual payment card details are replaced with unique tokens during transactions. Even if a bad actor intercepts a token, it holds no value beyond the specific transaction. In the event of a data breach, tokens cannot be used for other transactions or purposes.
Encryption is also critical in fraud prevention with contactless payments. Encryption secures the transmission and storage of sensitive financial information through a process that employs multiple steps and technologies which make it more difficult for bad actors to intercept and misuse the information.
In addition to tokenization and encryption, contactless payments reduce the risk of card skimming and fraud through several other key security features:
- No physical card contact – because the card is not inserted in the terminal, the risk of skimming devices that can capture information from magnetic stripes is eliminated.
- Hardware-based security features – Many contactless payment methods, especially those on mobile devices, utilize secure elements to store and process sensitive information, adding an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access to payment data.
- Dynamic authentication codes – such as CVV (Card Verification Value) or CVC (Card Verification Code), change with each transaction, so even if a bad actor intercepts one set of codes, they are useless for subsequent transactions.
- Biometric authentication – fingerprint or facial recognition biometrics add an additional layer of security, ensuring that only the customer can initiate transactions.
- Transaction Limits – With these limits, larger transactions or multiple transactions within a short timeframe trigger additional security measures to prevent criminals from making high-value or repeated transactions.
These security features contribute to customers' overall confidence in the security and reliability of contactless payments. As a result, contactless payments can foster trust and encourage peace of mind. As these payment technologies become more common, customers are increasingly comfortable relying on contactless options for their financial transactions.
Technologies for Contactless Payments
Contactless payments leverage various technologies to enable secure and convenient transactions. Two key technologies commonly used for contactless payments are near field communication (NFC) and mobile wallets.
NFC is a short-range wireless communication technology that enables data exchange between devices when they are in close proximity, typically within a few centimeters. When a user initiates a contactless payment, the NFC-enabled card or device (such as a smartphone or wearable) communicates with an NFC-enabled payment terminal. The terminal and the card/device establish a secure communication channel, and the payment information is transmitted.
Mobile wallets are digital applications on smartphones or other mobile devices that store payment information securely. They often use a combination of technologies, including NFC, to facilitate contactless payments. Popular mobile wallets include:
- Apple Pay: Apple Pay offers a clean, intuitive user experience. Apple Pay is exclusive to Apple devices and uses tokenization and biometric authentication as well as device-specific security features.
- Google Pay: Google Pay which integrates Google services and simplifies checkout with features like Google Pay Send. Google Pay is compatible with a wide range of smartphones and uses biometric authentication and tokenization as well as features like remote device locking and data wiping for security.
- Samsung Pay: Samsung Pay integrates with Samsung Galaxy devices and works with a variety of payment terminals, including those that do not support NFC. Samsung Pay gives reward points for transactions and uses multiple layers of security.
- QR codes: Some contactless payment systems use QR (Quick Response) codes. The customer scans a merchant-generated QR code with their smartphone's camera to initiate the payment.
- Bluetooth: The customer’s device communicates with the payment terminal, offering a contactless and secure payment experience.
These payment technologies contribute to the versatility and widespread adoption of contactless payments. Customers can choose the method that best aligns with their preferences and the capabilities of their devices, whether it's tapping a physical card, using a mobile wallet, scanning a QR code, or exploring innovative solutions based on Bluetooth technology. The common thread among these technologies is their capacity to provide secure, efficient, and convenient payment experiences for consumers.
Integrating Contactless Payment Technologies Into Existing Systems
There are several routes for businesses interested in offering customers contactless payment options. One of the most common is investing in terminals that support NFC technology. Another choice is collaborating with payment processors that support contactless payments. For instance, businesses looking to integrate contactless payments in their loyalty programs can partner with Switchfly, a leading loyalty program solution provider.
Or, a business may upgrade to a modern point-of-sale system that is compatible with popular mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. For example, financial services payment company Square’s point of-sale system allows small and medium-sized businesses to accept payments through contactless cards and mobile wallets.
Industry Transformation
Global adoption of contactless payments by businesses and consumers is expected to rise significantly in the coming years, as indicated by the projected 18% CAGR of the contactless payments market worldwide. In the U.S. the value of digital wallet tap-to-pay transactions is projected to rise from $179 in 2023 to $451 in 2028, a potential 150% increase.
Contactless payments have significantly impacted customer expectations and reshaped the way they approach transactions and interact with businesses. Customers are moving away from using cash, opting for the convenience, speed, and security offered by contactless payments They expect businesses to support a variety of digital payment methods, including contactless cards and mobile wallets. The real-time nature and instant notifications of contactless payments is also helping to foster greater financial awareness among consumers. In addition, customers appreciate the convenience of earning and redeeming loyalty program rewards seamlessly during the payment process.
For businesses in financial services, the use of contactless payments is becoming imperative, and not only for their impact on customer engagement and retention and operational efficiency. Contactless payments are also a gateway to customer data and feedback that companies can use to improve customer satisfaction and deliver new products to the market that create a competitive advantage. Having access to customer data can also help companies improve their loyalty program management.
Successful businesses across industries have embraced contactless payments to enhance customer engagement and streamline transactions, including:
Convenience stores: Amazon Go relies on contactless payments for a self-service experience. Customers scan their Amazon Go app when they enter the store. As they pick up items, the app detects and charges them automatically, eliminating the need for a traditional checkout.
Rideshare: Uber’s business model is built on contactless payments, which contribute to the company’s brand promise of convenience. Consumers book and pay for rides through the Uber app, with payments processed seamlessly in the background.
Fast food: McDonald's has adopted contactless payments to enhance speed and convenience for customers. Customers can use contactless cards, mobile wallets, or apps to make payments at the counter or drive-through.
Airlines: Many airlines use contactless payments for in-flight services, enabling passengers to use their credit cards or mobile devices to make onboard purchases without the need for cash.
Entertainment: A creative application for contactless payments involves integrating this technology into interactive and immersive experiences, such as escape rooms. Participants use contactless-enabled devices, like smartphones or cards, to unlock clues, make in-game purchases, and access special features during the escape room adventure. In this case, payment methods are an integral part of a recreational activity, making the overall experience more dynamic and immersive for participants.
The Future of Digital Payments
Contactless payments are transforming the way consumers make payments by introducing a faster, more convenient, and more secure alternative to traditional payment methods. Implementing contactless payments is essential for businesses to meet customer expectations and remain competitive. As contactless payment options become more widely available, financial services companies have an opportunity to educate their customers and increase adoption.
Switchfly is the leader in helping companies offer travel rewards and benefits that employees are excited to use. To discover what’s possible with Switchfly, connect with us today.
