What is NFC and how do I pay with my phone?

04.09.2024

How do mobile payments work and is it safe?

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a near-field contactless communication that is limited to an extremely small range (up to 5 cm). In this article you will discover how you can pay with your phone thanks to this technology. If you are wondering whether mobile payments are safe, you will find the answer to that question here as well.

Do all phones have NFC?

The first phone with NFC technology was an Android phone and appeared back in 2010. 4 years later, Apple also adopted the technology and all iPhones after generation 6 are equipped with NFC. Nowadays, most phones have NFC, but there are still devices that do not support this technology.

How do you know if your phone has NFC?

If you own an iPhone, as we already mentioned if it's post 6th generation you certainly have NFC. If you have this technology you will most likely see it in the drop down menu on your phone. You can also check in your phone's settings, look for it in the connections tab (where WiFi, Bluetooth, etc. are located).

Why pay with my phone?

NFC payments bring a new level of convenience, speed and flexibility to everyday transactions, transforming the way we shop. Imagine walking into a store, selecting your items and simply tapping your phone at the checkout to complete your purchase - no need to search for cash or cards. NFC technology ensures payments are processed almost instantly, reducing wait times.

Is it safe?

When it comes to mobile payments with NFC, security is top priority. A number of serious measures ensure that your transactions are safe:

• One key security feature is tokenization, a process that replaces sensitive payment information with a unique identifier or "token" that can't be used outside of that specific transaction. This means your actual card details are never revealed during the payment process.
• NFC payments use encryption to protect the data, creating a secure channel for transmitting information between your phone and the payment terminal.
• Most NFC-enabled devices also require biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, adding an extra layer of protection.

So, is it safe to pay with your phone? Absolutely. These security measures ensure that your payment data is stored and transmitted securely.

How do you pay with your phone?

1. If you own an Android phone, turn on NFC, you can do this either from your phone's shortcuts drop-down menu or from your phone's settings (for Apple users, NFC cannot be turned off)

2. Open Google Wallet / Apple Wallet

3. You must have a card added to your digital wallet

4. Select the card you want to use and bring the top of the back of your phone close to the POS terminal (as mentioned NFC works in a short range, so your phone should be no more than 5 cm from the device)

5. Upon successful payment, a check mark should appear on your screen.

If the tick does not appear and the payment is not successful, try the following:

• Try holding your phone differently. The NFC antenna is most often near the top of the phone, but on some phone models it may be at the bottom.
• Bring your phone closer to the POS terminal
• Hold your phone closer to the POS terminal for longer
• Make sure NFC is turned on.

How do you pay with your digital food voucher over the phone?

1. Download the Edenred+ app

2. Activate your account using the activation code

3. Through the Edenred+ app, add your card to the Apple/Google Wallet mobile wallet using the Add to Wallet button (If you don't have a digital wallet installed, you'll need to download Apple/Google Wallet first)

4. Done! You can now pay with your phone. Important: You can only pay with Apple/Google Wallet, not the Edenred+ app.

Debunking myths about NFC

Despite the convenience and security of NFC payments, a few myths persist that can cause unnecessary anxiety:

• Hackers can easily gain access to your information: In reality, NFC technology operates over a very small range - typically just a few centimeters - making unauthorized access extremely difficult. In addition, NFC transactions are encrypted, which means that all transmitted data is secure and unreadable to potential attackers.
• If you lose your phone, someone can easily make purchases with it: Phones require biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition, before making any transaction, making the device useless to thieves.
• NFC payments are less secure than traditional payments: with security measures such as tokenization and encryption, NFC payments are often more secure.

In conclusion, mobile payments with NFC represent the future of seamless and secure transactions. NFC technology is revolutionizing the way we pay. Combined with robust security measures such as tokenization and encryption, you can rest assured that your information and food vouchers are well protected.

Now is the perfect time to embrace the convenience and security of NFC payments. Download the Edenred+ app today and experience first-hand how easy and safe mobile payments can be. Join the growing community of users who have already switched and enjoy a smarter way to pay!!!

Download the mobile app here:

• For Android users
• For iOS users

If you're an employer, you can order digital food vouchers for your employees HERE!