Accepting Mobile Payments: A Guide to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and QR Codes

Gone are the days of fumbling for cash or even searching for a physical card. Now, a simple tap of a smartphone or smartwatch is all it takes. This shift towards mobile payments isn't just a fleeting trend; it's a fundamental change in consumer behaviour.

How your business can accept Apple Pay, Google Pay and more

For small and local businesses, keeping up with these changes can feel like a challenge. But we believe it shouldn't be. Accepting mobile payments like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and QR codes is simpler than you might think, and it opens up a world of benefits for you and your members.

We're here to help you understand this new landscape. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the technology that makes it all work to the simple steps you can take to get started. Let's make your payment process smoother, simpler, and more secure, so you can focus on what you do best: serving your community.

A simple guide to taking contactless and mobile payments

Getting started with mobile payments is a straightforward process. At its core, it's about giving your customers more choice and a quicker way to pay. Let's break down what these payment methods are and how you can easily integrate them into your business.

What are mobile and contactless payments?

First, let's clear up the terms. While often used together, they mean slightly different things.

• Contactless payments refer to any transaction that doesn't require physical contact between the payment method and the card machine. This includes tapping a contactless credit or debit card.

• Mobile payments are a type of contactless payment made using a mobile device, such as a smartphone, smartwatch, or tablet. The customer uses an app, often called a digital wallet, to complete the purchase.

Essentially, all mobile payments are contactless, but not all contactless payments are mobile. For your business, the good news is that the technology needed to accept both is usually the same.

How does it all work?

The magic behind most tap-and-go payments comes down to a technology called Near Field Communication, or NFC.

NFC technology

Think of NFC as a secret handshake between two devices. It's a short-range wireless technology that lets a smartphone and your card machine communicate when they're very close to each other, typically within four centimetres. When a customer holds their phone near your NFC-enabled terminal, the devices securely exchange the encrypted payment information needed to complete the sale. It’s incredibly fast and secure.

QR code payments

Another popular form of mobile payment uses QR (Quick Response) codes. This method works a bit differently but is just as simple.

1. You display a unique QR code on your payment terminal, a screen, or even a printed sign.

2. Your customer opens their smartphone camera or a specific payment app and scans the code.

3. The code directs them to a secure payment page where they confirm the amount and authorise the payment using their stored card details or digital wallet.

QR codes are wonderfully versatile. They don't require a special NFC reader, making them a great option for businesses like market stalls, pop-up shops, or restaurants wanting to offer pay-at-table services without extra hardware.

What do you need to get started?

Bringing mobile payments into your business is a simple, two-part process. You need the right hardware and the right partner.

1. A compatible card machine or point of sale (POS) system

To accept payments from digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, you'll need a payment terminal that is equipped with an NFC reader. The universal symbol for contactless payments—four curved, radiating lines—is a clear indicator that a device is ready for these transactions. Most modern card machines, including those we provide at Teya, come with this technology built-in as standard.

2. A payment processing partner

A payment processor is the service that securely manages the transaction from start to finish. When a customer taps their phone, we work behind the scenes to talk to their bank, get the payment approved, and make sure the money lands safely in your account. The process is seamless. When you partner with us, enabling mobile payment acceptance is part of the package. There are no complicated setup procedures; it's ready to go from the moment you switch on your terminal.

We understand that adopting new technology can feel daunting, but we're here to make it easy. Our team can help you choose the right card machine for your needs and ensure you're fully set up to welcome every customer, no matter how they choose to pay.

Tap, pay, go: everything you need to know about mobile wallets

Mobile wallets, also known as digital wallets, are the apps at the heart of the mobile payment revolution. They are secure applications on a customer's smartphone that store digital versions of their debit cards, credit cards, loyalty cards, and even tickets. They turn a phone into a wallet, offering a convenient and highly secure way to pay.

Diving into the most popular digital wallets

While there are many digital wallets available, two giants dominate the landscape: Apple Pay and Google Pay. Understanding how they work will give you a clear picture of what your customers are using.

Apple Pay

As the name suggests, Apple Pay is Apple's own mobile payment service, available on the iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac. It’s known for its seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem and its strong focus on privacy and security.

• How it works for your customers: A user adds their credit or debit card to the Wallet app on their Apple device. To pay in your store, they simply hold their device near your contactless reader and authenticate the payment using Face ID (facial recognition), Touch ID (fingerprint scan), or their device passcode.

• Key security features: Apple Pay uses a system called tokenisation. This means that when a card is added, the actual card number is not stored on the device or on Apple's servers. Instead, a unique, encrypted number—a "token"—is created. This token is what's transmitted during a transaction, so your customer's real card details are never exposed to you or anyone else, dramatically reducing the risk of fraud.

• How you accept it: Any payment terminal with the standard contactless symbol can accept Apple Pay. There's no extra work or setup required on your part.

Google Pay

Google Pay is the equivalent for the Android ecosystem, available on a vast range of smartphones and smartwatches from manufacturers like Samsung, Google, and many others. It offers the same core benefits of speed, convenience, and security.

• How it works for your customers: Similar to Apple Pay, users add their cards to the Google Pay app. At checkout, they unlock their phone and hold it near your terminal to pay. The transaction is typically confirmed with a tick on their screen.

• Key security features: Google Pay also relies on tokenisation to protect card information. Each transaction uses a virtual account number, keeping the customer's actual card details safe. It’s protected by multiple layers of security, including the phone's own lock screen (PIN, pattern, or biometrics).

• How you accept it: Just like Apple Pay, Google Pay works with all standard NFC-enabled card readers. If you can accept a contactless card payment, you can accept Google Pay.

Beyond the big two: QR codes and other wallets

While Apple and Google have a huge market share, they aren't the only players. Some banks have their own payment apps, and other services like Samsung Pay also exist. Furthermore, QR code payments are becoming increasingly important, especially for their flexibility.

QR code solutions, sometimes offered through services like PayPal or dedicated apps, allow customers to pay without NFC. This can be a fantastic, low-cost way to accept digital payments if you don't have a traditional card machine, or to add payment points around your business, such as on tables or at order counters.

What about transaction fees?

This is a common and important question for any business owner. We believe in being honest and transparent about costs.

The great news is that for you, as a business, there are typically no extra fees for accepting payments via Apple Pay or Google Pay. The transaction is processed in the same way as a physical contactless card payment. This means the transaction fees are determined by your agreement with your payment processor and are usually the same as your standard "card-present" rate.

Accepting mobile payments doesn't complicate your costs. It simply expands your options and provides a better experience for your members, all while maintaining a simple and predictable fee structure.

Why your business should start accepting mobile payments today

Adopting new technology should always serve a purpose: to make your business better. Accepting mobile payments isn't just about being modern; it’s a strategic decision that delivers real, tangible benefits for your operations, your security, and your bottom line. Here’s why now is the perfect time to embrace the tap.

Meet and exceed customer expectations

Today's consumers highly value speed and simplicity, with mobile payment now a standard expectation rather than a novelty. Offering mobile payment options demonstrates that your business values customers' time and provides a modern, frictionless experience. This approach significantly enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty, aligning with consumer preference for businesses that simplify their lives.

Increase speed and efficiency at the checkout

During peak times, every second counts. Mobile payments offer significantly faster transactions than Chip and PIN or cash. A quick tap eliminates the need for card insertion, PIN entry, or change counting. This efficiency results in shorter queues, happier customers, and increased sales, proving invaluable for busy cafes, shops, or salons.

Enhance payment security for everyone

Payment security is paramount for both your business and customers. Mobile payments offer exceptional security, leveraging tokenisation to prevent sensitive card data transmission or storage. This, combined with biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint or face scan), creates a powerful defence against fraud. By accepting mobile payments, you reduce the risk of data breaches and fraudulent chargebacks, protecting your business and assuring customer peace of mind.

Never miss a sale

We've all been there: a customer reaches the till, ready to buy, only to realise they've left their wallet at home. In the past, that was a lost sale. Today, as long as they have their phone, the sale can still be made. By offering a wider range of payment solutions, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and QR codes, you remove a major barrier to purchase. You make it as easy as possible for people to give you their business, which can lead to a direct increase in your revenue.

Future-proof your business

The world of payments is constantly evolving, and the trend is clear: digital and mobile are the future. The use of mobile payment apps is growing at an incredible rate every year. By integrating these solutions now, you are not just keeping up with current consumer payment trends; you are positioning your business for long-term success. You'll be ready for whatever comes next in financial technology, ensuring your business remains relevant and competitive for years to come.

At Teya, we were founded to help small, local businesses like yours thrive. We believe that powerful tools should also be simple to use. Our payment solutions are designed to seamlessly integrate mobile payment acceptance into your daily operations. We handle the technical side so you can enjoy the benefits: happier customers, a faster checkout, and a more secure way to do business. Embracing mobile payments is a simple step that can have a huge impact, and we're here to help you take it.