NFC (Near Field Communication) is the short-range wireless technology that makes Tap to Pay and contactless payments possible. It allows two devices—like a customer’s smartphone and the merchant’s payment terminal (or in this case, your phone running Charge for Stripe)—to exchange information when they are brought within a few centimeters of each other.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How does NFC work?
NFC uses radio waves to transmit data. One device (the card or phone) is “passive” and contains the information, while the other (the payment terminal) is “active” and emits a radio field that powers the passive device and initiates communication. - Is NFC the same as Bluetooth?
No. While both are wireless technologies, NFC has a much shorter range (a few centimeters vs. several meters for Bluetooth) and requires no pairing process, making it faster and more secure for quick transactions. - Does my phone need to have NFC to use Charge for Stripe?
Yes, to accept Tap to Pay / contactless payments, your phone must be equipped with an NFC chip. Most modern smartphones have this feature. If your phone doesn’t, you can still accept payments via manual card entry.
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