There are many different ways your business can accept card payments by using just your phone as a card reader – without needing to buy any special equipment. As over 20% of the UK population uses their phone to pay contactless, such as tap to pay, for their day-to-day purchases, if your business does not have a method to accept card payments from your customers’ phones then they may be missing potential customers.
The good news is that your smartphone is capable of processing payments without a dedicated card reader machine. Small businesses can accept card payments by using either an Apple iPhone or Android device using the ‘Tap to Pay’ feature. Using this service saves both time and money, in addition to providing space on counters and shelves that would be needed for a card reader. The ability to process payments via your smartphone has become much easier over the past few years and is currently available from multiple service providers. All size businesses could benefit from the increased flexibility of these services.
Paying by phone – or digital wallets – account for around 20% of in-person purchases on a daily basis in the UK. By using your smartphone for the purpose of accepting credit and debit card payments, you eliminate additional costs such as the cost of subscriptions and the need for card readers. Therefore, using your smartphone for this purpose is also a budget friendly option for your business.
Below we provide reviews of 11 of the top methods to accept payments via your phone. We outline features, pricing and compatibility for each of the solutions to help you choose the best solution for your business.
Square Tap to Pay
Square makes mobile payments easy with its Tap to Pay feature. UK merchants can now accept card payments right on their phones without extra hardware. Your smartphone becomes a payment terminal in seconds.
Square Tap to Pay features
Square’s Tap to Pay works on iOS and Android devices. You can accept contactless cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and other digital wallets. The setup process is simple – just download the Square Point of Sale app, add an item or enter an amount, and ask your customer to tap their card or digital wallet on your phone.
Your payments stay secure with built-in encryption that protects card information. Square handles all PCI compliance needs and doesn’t store card numbers on your device. You won’t pay any extra security fees either.
The system also supports PIN entry with options for customers who need accessibility features. Square’s Tap to Pay blends naturally with other business tools like Square for Retail and Square Appointments apps.
Square Tap to Pay pricing
Square keeps pricing simple and clear. You pay 1.75% per tap for all transactions. You get:
- No monthly subscription fees
- No hidden charges
- No long-term contracts
- No minimum monthly transaction requirements
The rate stays the same for all cards – Visa, Mastercard and American Express. On top of that, Square doesn’t charge you for account activation, early termination, interchange, chargebacks, cash payments, account inactivity, or PCI compliance.
Square Tap to Pay compatibility
iPhone users need an iPhone XS or newer with iOS 16.4 or above. Android devices must run Android 9 or later and have NFC capabilities. Some phones won’t work with the system, including Samsung Galaxy S8, S9 and Note 9.
Transaction limits apply to all payments. You can process contactless payments up to £25,000, while physical contactless cards have a £100 limit. Payments over the contactless card limit might need PIN verification or a different payment method.
Square’s Tap to Pay works great for mobile professionals like tradespeople and caterers who need payments on the go. Retailers can use it to cut down queues, and service providers can let customers pay from their seats.
Tide Tap to Pay
Small business owners looking for an optimised payment solution will find Tide’s Tap to Pay a perfect fit. The service merges with their business banking app and lets merchants accept contactless payments through their iPhone without extra hardware.
Tide Tap to Pay features
Your iPhone becomes a payment terminal with Tide’s Tap to Pay, making separate card readers obsolete. The system accepts payments of all types—physical debit and credit cards, Apple Pay, and other digital wallets.
Tide’s offering puts security first. Your business and customer data stays protected through iPhone’s built-in security features. Apple ensures complete privacy by not storing card numbers or PIN details on devices or servers.
The setup process is remarkably simple:
- Open the Tide app and direct to the “Get Paid” tab
- Select “Tap to Pay” and enter the payment amount
- Present your iPhone to your customer
- Your customer holds their contactless card or device over your iPhone
- Once the “Done” tick appears, the transaction is complete
Tide Tap to Pay pricing
The service comes with two pricing options. The standard Pay As You Go plan costs 1.5% + 11p per transaction. Businesses with higher volumes can choose the “Sell In-Person” subscription at £12.99 + VAT monthly, which brings fees down to 0.79% + 9p per transaction.
Some documents show a flat fee option of 1.65% per transaction without monthly costs. This rate covers both domestic and international payments with no hidden charges.
Tide’s “Next Day Settlement” option costs £2.99 + VAT monthly. This beats the standard 1-3 working day settlement period.
Tide Tap to Pay compatibility
The service works only on Apple devices—iPhone XS or newer models with iOS 16.7 or later. Android users will have to wait as support is still in development.
Users can process transactions up to £100 without PIN and £5,000 with PIN verification. The system works with all major payment cards including Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Tide’s business banking integration means eligibility depends on your business type and location. Eligible users will see the feature automatically in their Tide app when taking payments.
Businesses using Tide’s banking services will find this solution ideal. It creates a unified platform for payment acceptance without the need for extra equipment.
SumUp Tap to Pay
SumUp makes mobile payments simple with its Tap to Pay solution. Businesses can now accept contactless payments right from their smartphones. Small UK merchants love this convenient option because they don’t need to carry extra equipment anymore.
SumUp Tap to Pay features
Your smartphone becomes a complete payment terminal with SumUp’s Tap to Pay technology – no extra hardware needed. The system works smoothly on both iPhone and Android devices. You can accept contactless payments from cards and digital wallets anywhere your business operates.
Setting up is quick. You just need to download the free SumUp app and enable Tap to Pay. Enter an amount and your customers can tap their card against your phone. Customers can safely enter their PIN on your smartphone when transactions go over the contactless limit. The app uses advanced security measures and prevents all screen recording.
SumUp goes beyond simple payment processing by offering:
- Remote payment options including invoices and payment links
- Gift card capabilities
- Over-the-phone payment processing
SumUp Tap to Pay pricing
The pricing structure is crystal clear:
- 1.69% transaction fee per payment
- No activation costs or setup fees
- No monthly subscription charges
- No binding contracts
- No VAT charged on transaction fees
The “One” membership reduces transaction fees to 0.99% for all domestic payments – perfect for businesses with higher transaction volumes.
SumUp Tap to Pay compatibility
iPhone users need an iPhone XS or newer model running iOS 16.4 or above. Android devices must have:
- Android version 11 or higher
- NFC capabilities
The system works with Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay and other digital wallets. While SumUp doesn’t set transaction limits through the app, standard contactless card limits apply when PIN verification isn’t used.
Market traders, small cafés, independent service providers, freelancers, and delivery services find SumUp’s solution incredibly useful. The flexibility and ease of use make it a perfect fit for these businesses.
Revolut Tap to Pay
Revolut has launched a business tap-to-pay solution that turns iPhones into payment terminals for merchants and freelancers. The feature works right through the Revolut app and lets customers make contactless payments without extra hardware.
Revolut Tap to Pay features
Businesses can now accept contactless payments with just an iPhone and the Revolut app. The system handles payments from physical contactless credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other digital wallets.
Making payments couldn’t be simpler. Customers hold their contactless card or payment device near the merchant’s iPhone until the transaction finishes, just like a regular terminal. This makes checkout quick and easy, which works great for mobile businesses like market vendors, tradespeople, and small retailers.
Revolut takes security seriously with Tap to Pay. The system uses iPhone’s built-in features to keep your business and customer data safe. Your device and servers won’t store any payment card details. You’ll need to confirm each transaction with your passcode or biometric data in-app to keep your personal information secure.
Revolut Tap to Pay pricing
Revolut keeps its Tap to Pay service fees simple and competitive:
- UK consumer cards (Mastercard and Visa): 0.8% + £0.02 per transaction
- UK American Express consumer cards: 1.7% + £0.02 per transaction
- Non-UK consumer cards and all commercial cards: 2.6% + £0.02 per transaction
You won’t find any setup charges, subscription fees, or hidden costs. This simple pricing helps businesses focus on their earnings instead of expenses. Merchants can access their earnings within 24 hours of a sale.
Revolut Tap to Pay compatibility
Tap to Pay works only on Apple devices—you’ll need iPhone XS or newer models, including iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generations. Merchants should download the Revolut Business app from the Apple App Store and run the latest iOS version.
Note that this service works only for Revolut Business and Revolut Pro customers in the UK. Personal or standard individual accounts can’t use this feature. New users can sign up for a Revolut Business or Pro account through the app and start taking contactless payments in minutes.
Revolut provides other options like card readers, QR codes, or payment links for customers who don’t use contactless payments.
PayPal Zettle Tap to Pay
PayPal’s Zettle Tap to Pay solution turns your smartphone into a complete payment terminal. Small businesses can now process contactless payments without extra hardware. The service has rebranded to PayPal Point of Sale but keeps all its original functionality and features.
PayPal Zettle Tap to Pay features
Merchants can accept contactless payments right on their compatible smartphones through PayPal Zettle. The system handles transactions from physical contactless cards and digital wallets. Customers complete their payment by tapping their card or mobile device against your phone.
Your device processes encrypted transactions to keep payments secure. The system lets you send digital receipts to customers through email or text message after each sale.
The system offers a key benefit – quick access to funds. Merchants see their sales money in their PayPal account within two hours. This helps small businesses keep their cash flow healthy without waiting too long.
PayPal Zettle Tap to Pay pricing
PayPal Zettle Tap to Pay comes with simple fees:
- Card-present transactions: 1.75% per transaction
- No monthly or setup fees
- No extra hardware costs
Manually entered card details cost more at 3.4% + £0.20 per transaction. Payment links have varied rates – 2.9% + £0.30 for PayPal payments and 1.2% + £0.30 for cards and other payment methods.
PayPal Zettle Tap to Pay compatibility
iPhone users need an iPhone XS or newer model with the latest iOS version. Android devices must have Android 8.0 or higher, NFC capabilities, and Google Play services.
The service works with major payment cards including:
- Visa and Visa Electron
- Mastercard and Maestro
- American Express
Users can also pay with digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. The system works only on smartphones, not tablets – a limitation compared to some competitors.
This solution fits perfectly with businesses that already use PayPal online and want to add in-person sales capabilities. The PayPal ecosystem integration makes it even more valuable.
Monzo Tap to Pay
Monzo Business has expanded its services to let customers take card payments directly on their phones through their Tap to Pay feature. The company partnered with Stripe to create a solution that helps small businesses accept contactless payments without buying extra hardware.
Monzo Tap to Pay features
Businesses can now accept contactless payments using just an iPhone or Android device with Monzo’s Tap to Pay. The system handles payments from physical contactless debit and credit cards, Apple Pay, and various digital wallets. The service needs no additional card reader hardware or complex setup procedures.
The payment process is simple. You open the Monzo app, tap “Get paid,” then “Accept contactless,” enter the payment amount, and your customer holds their card at the top of your device. The transaction completes once you see a tick.
Built-in privacy features keep user data protected, making security a top priority. The system protects customer information by not storing card numbers on iPhones or Apple servers.
Monzo Tap to Pay pricing
Stripe powers Monzo’s payment processing with clear fees:
- UK consumer cards: 1.4% + 20p per transaction
- International cards: 2.9% + 20p per transaction
The service charges no monthly subscription costs beyond transaction fees. Payouts take 3 working days to reach your Monzo account, while first-time transactions need 7-14 working days to settle.
Monzo Tap to Pay compatibility
iPhone users need:
- iPhone XS or later
- iOS 16.7 or newer
- Mobile data or WiFi connection
Android users need:
- Android 11 or later
- NFC capabilities enabled
- Unrooted device with unmodified OS
- Mobile data or WiFi connection [231]
Monzo’s Tap to Pay adoption has grown 88% year over year since its October 2023 launch. Small businesses with three or fewer employees use the service most often, making it perfect for service-oriented sectors like health and wellness, home improvement, and retail.
Dojo Tap to Pay
Dojo’s Tap to Pay feature lets merchants accept card payments right from their iPhone. Merchants don’t need extra hardware to collect payments. This simple approach saves time and makes customers happier.
Dojo Tap to Pay features
Businesses can accept payments through an iPhone with Dojo’s Tap to Pay technology. The system handles contactless cards up to £100 and processes any amount from contactless devices like smartphones and watches. It works with Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Discover Global Network cards, and you can add American Express too.
Here’s how payments work in four steps:
- Open the Dojo app and enter the purchase amount
- Present your iPhone to the customer
- Customer holds their payment method at the top of your iPhone
- Transaction completes when the Done checkmark appears
The system does more than just contactless cards. You can take payments through Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay. It also handles Chip & PIN transactions if needed.
Dojo keeps business and customer information safe through iPhone’s built-in security features. Apple doesn’t store card numbers on devices or servers during payment processing. Your data stays private.
Dojo Tap to Pay pricing
The available information doesn’t list specific pricing details for Dojo’s Tap to Pay service. Businesses should reach out to Dojo directly to learn about current transaction fees and other costs.
Dojo Tap to Pay compatibility
The service runs only on iPhones through the Dojo for business app. Small businesses can grow their payment options without buying separate hardware.
This solution helps businesses create better customer experiences by cutting down queues. Staff members can process transactions anywhere without waiting for a card machine. Retail stores, restaurants, and service businesses find this especially useful when they need quick payments on the spot.
Mollie Tap to Pay
Mollie, a leading European financial service provider, has launched its Tap to Pay technology that lets UK businesses accept card payments directly on smartphones. Businesses of all sizes can now process payments without extra terminals, making it a flexible solution.
Mollie Tap to Pay features
Your smartphone becomes a payment terminal with Mollie’s Tap to Pay, which accepts contactless payments from physical cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other digital wallets. The system uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, so customers can complete transactions by tapping their card or device against your phone.
The setup is quick and simple. Merchants need to download the Mollie app, activate Tap to Pay with one click, and start taking payments. When checking out, ask customers to hold their contactless payment method near your phone. The payment processes securely through NFC technology.
Your device and servers stay free of card details and transaction information, which ensures data privacy during the payment process. The system supports PIN entry when transactions exceed certain amounts.
Mollie Tap to Pay pricing
Mollie gives you two pricing plans to choose from:
Pay as you go (£0 monthly fee):
- Domestic consumer debit & credit cards: 1.20%
- Other consumer cards: 1.80%
- American Express: 2.10%
- Commercial cards: 2.90%
Pro (£20 monthly with 1-year contract):
- Domestic consumer debit & credit cards: 0.85% + £0.10
- Other consumer cards: 1.50% + £0.10
- American Express: 1.80% + £0.10
- Commercial cards: 2.50% + £0.10
Standard payouts cost 25p each after your first 5 payouts.
Mollie Tap to Pay compatibility
The service works on these devices:
- iPhone XS or later running the latest iOS version
- Android devices with NFC capabilities
Mollie has expanded this service to merchants in Austria, Italy, the Netherlands, France, and Germany recently. Any smartphone with NFC capabilities made since 2014 can use this service.
myPOS Glass
myPOS Glass is a software POS application that lets merchants accept payments right from their mobile devices. This softPOS solution works without dongles or extra hardware – you just need to install the app on your phone.
myPOS Glass features
Payment processing with myPOS Glass is straightforward. You enter the amount, your customer taps their card on your smartphone, and the funds appear instantly in your myPOS account. The app handles contactless cards (Visa and Mastercard) and digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
The app’s QR code payment feature sets it apart by supporting non-NFC cards. Customers can scan the code with their phones and complete payments through a secure gateway. Businesses that need paper receipts can connect the app to external Bluetooth printers.
myPOS Glass pricing
myPOS gives you two pricing options:
Starter (£0 monthly):
- Domestic cards: 1.60% + £0.07 per transaction
- Commercial cards: 3.35% + £0.07 per transaction
- No fixed costs or commitment
Pro (£4.90 monthly):
- Domestic cards: 1.10% + £0.07 per transaction
- Commercial cards: 2.85% + £0.07 per transaction
- First month free
myPOS Glass compatibility
Android users need version 11 or later. iPhone users must have iPhone XS or newer with the latest iOS. The system adheres to PCI DSS regulations and meets security standards that card networks have approved. No sensitive data stays on your device.
Viva Wallet Tap to Pay
Viva Wallet, a European neobank, lets you turn your smartphone into a mobile card terminal with its Tap to Pay technology. No extra equipment needed.
Viva Wallet Tap to Pay features
Merchants can accept contactless payments through the Viva Terminal app right on their mobile devices. The process is simple – you enter the payment amount and customers tap their cards or mobile wallets on your phone’s back. You can send receipts by email or text, and even print them with a Bluetooth printer. Your money arrives in your Viva Wallet account within an hour.
The system works even when internet is down. You can customise tipping options and offer dynamic currency conversion to international customers.
Viva Wallet Tap to Pay pricing
UK transactions cost 1.69% (minimum £0.10) per tap-to-pay payment with domestic consumer cards from Visa, Mastercard, Discover or Diners Club. Other cards might cost around 2.4%. Your business can cut transaction fees to 0% by using a Viva.com business debit card for expenses.
Viva Wallet Tap to Pay compatibility
The service runs on iPhone XS or newer models and Android devices. You can start using the app right after signing up for a free Viva Wallet Business Account – just download it from Google Play or App Store. Mobile businesses, pop-up shops, and service providers who need flexible payment options will find this solution perfect.
Stripe Tap to Pay
UK merchants can now accept contactless payments directly on their mobile devices using Stripe’s new Tap to Pay functionality. This eliminates the need to buy additional hardware.
Stripe Tap to Pay features
Businesses can let customers make payments by tapping their contactless cards or NFC-based mobile wallets against compatible phones using Stripe Terminal and its SDK. The payment options include Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Customers simply need to hold their card or payment device near the phone’s top until the transaction finishes. Street markets and event vendors will find this solution particularly useful.
The system prioritises security. Apple doesn’t store any card numbers on devices or servers, while iPhone’s built-in security features protect both merchant and customer data.
Stripe Tap to Pay pricing
Stripe’s fee structure includes a 1.40% + 10p charge for EEA cards during standard in-person payments. Smartphone contactless payments cost an extra 10p per authorisation.
Stripe Tap to Pay compatibility
The service works on iPhone XS or newer models with the latest iOS version. Users can access Tap to Pay on iPhone in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and many European countries.
Android users need devices that meet these requirements:
- Android 13 or later
- NFC capabilities
- Google Mobile Services with Play Store installed
- Unrooted device with unmodified OS
The system supports PIN entry for high-value transactions.
Comparison Table
Accepting card payments on your phone
| Provider | Transaction Fees (Simple Rate) | Device Compatibility | Payment Methods Accepted | Notable Features | Settlement Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square | 1.75% per tap | iPhone XS+ (iOS 16.4+), Android 9+ with NFC | Contactless cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay | PIN entry support, integrated with Square business tools | Not mentioned |
| Tide | 1.5% + 11p | iPhone XS+ (iOS 16.7+) | Contactless cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay | Integrated with business banking, PIN support up to £5,000 | 1-3 working days |
| Revolut | 0.8% + £0.02 (UK cards) | iPhone XS+ | Contactless cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay | Biometric verification, in-app security | Within 24 hours |
| SumUp | 1.69% | iPhone XS+ (iOS 16.4+), Android 11+ with NFC | Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Amex, digital wallets | No monthly fees, remote payment options | Not mentioned |
| PayPal Zettle | 1.75% | iPhone XS+, Android 8.0+ with NFC | Visa, Mastercard, Amex, digital wallets | Email/SMS receipts, PayPal integration | Within 2 hours |
| Monzo | 1.4% + 20p (UK cards) | iPhone XS+ (iOS 16.7+), Android 11+ with NFC | Contactless cards, Apple Pay | Stripe-powered processing | 3 working days |
| Dojo | Not mentioned | iPhone only | Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, digital wallets | Chip & PIN support | Not mentioned |
| Mollie | 1.20% (domestic cards) | iPhone XS+, Android with NFC | Contactless cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay | PIN support for high-value transactions | Not mentioned |
| myPOS Glass | 1.60% + £0.07 | Android 11+, iPhone XS+ | Visa, Mastercard, digital wallets | QR code payments, instant settlement | Instant |
| Viva Wallet | 1.69% (min £0.10) | iPhone XS+, Android | Contactless cards, digital wallets | Offline payment capability, hourly settlement | Within 1 hour |
| Stripe | 1.40% + 20p | iPhone XS+, Android 13+ with NFC | Contactless cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay | PIN support for high-value transactions | Not mentioned |
The right mobile payment solution can substantially affect your business’s operations and customer experience. This piece explores 11 leading options that turn your smartphone into a complete payment terminal without extra hardware.
Mobile payments have definitely evolved. Transaction fees typically range from 0.8% to 1.75% per tap. Square, SumUp and PayPal Zettle keep their pricing simple with no monthly fees. Providers like Tide and Mollie give subscription options that lower per-transaction costs for businesses with higher volumes.
Your provider’s device compatibility matters. Most solutions work with iPhone XS or newer models. Android compatibility varies between services. SumUp, PayPal Zettle and Viva Wallet stand out because they support both major operating systems.
Money settlement times show big differences among providers. PayPal Zettle sends funds within two hours. Viva Wallet settles within one hour. Other providers like Monzo and Tide might take several days to send money to your account.
Many providers offer more than simple transaction processing. These features could help specific business types. Revolut gives excellent rates for UK consumer cards. myPOS Glass has QR code payment options. Tide naturally merges with business banking services.
Your specific business needs should drive your choice. Market traders might want offline capabilities and instant settlement. Established retailers could benefit from integrated business tools and lower transaction fees. Whatever solution you pick, smartphone payment technology gives you an economical way to meet customer expectations for convenient payments without costly equipment.
You can now pick the best Tap to Pay solution for your business and start taking payments directly on your smartphone today.
FAQs
You can use various Tap to Pay solutions like Square, PayPal Zettle, or SumUp to turn your smartphone into a payment terminal. Simply download the provider’s app, enter the payment amount, and have customers tap their contactless card or digital wallet against your phone to complete the transaction.
Transaction fees vary, but Revolut offers one of the lowest rates at 0.8% + £0.02 for UK consumer cards. However, it’s important to consider other factors like settlement times and additional features when choosing a provider.
Most solutions work with iPhone XS or newer models, but Android compatibility varies. Providers like SumUp, PayPal Zettle, and Viva Wallet support both iOS and Android devices, while others may be limited to one operating system.
Settlement times differ between providers. Some, like PayPal Zettle, offer access to funds within two hours, while Viva Wallet settles within one hour. Others, such as Monzo and Tide, may take several days to process payments.
Yes, many providers offer PIN entry support for higher-value transactions that exceed the contactless limit. For example, Tide supports PIN verification for payments up to £5,000, while Stripe and Mollie also offer PIN entry capabilities for larger purchases.
