Tap to Pay on phone, also called SoftPOS, lets a business accept contactless card and wallet payments using the NFC reader built into a compatible smartphone or tablet. No separate card terminal is needed.
A payment app on the device reads the customer's tapped card, phone or watch and sends the payment for authorisation in the usual way. Security is handled by the app and the payment provider rather than by dedicated hardware.
It suits pop-up stalls, markets, mobile services and busy venues that need extra payment points quickly. It can also serve as a backup when a main terminal fails.
Check that your payment provider supports it, which devices qualify, and how receipts and reconciliation work. It complements, rather than replaces, a fully integrated terminal at the main counter.