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Mastercard Tap and Pay is revolutionizing the way we make transactions. It's a contactless payment system that allows you to pay with just a tap of your card or phone.
This technology uses Near Field Communication (NFC) to enable secure transactions. It's a convenient and fast way to pay for goods and services.
In 2019, Mastercard reported that tap-to-pay transactions accounted for over 40% of all card transactions in the US. This number is expected to continue growing.
By tapping your card or phone, you can make payments of up to $100 without needing to enter your PIN.
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History of Tap and Pay
Tap and Pay technology has its roots in the early 2000s, with the first contactless payment systems being introduced in Europe in 2004.
The first contactless payment card was launched in the UK in 2007, using a chip and antenna to enable transactions. It was called the "PayPass" card.
These early systems used radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to facilitate transactions, but they were often slow and unreliable.
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The first mobile payments using Tap and Pay technology were introduced in 2011, with the launch of Google Wallet in the US.
This was followed by the introduction of Apple Pay in 2014, which brought Tap and Pay technology to a wider audience.
Today, Tap and Pay technology is used by millions of people around the world, with many banks and financial institutions offering their own Tap and Pay services.
How It Works
Mastercard Tap and Pay is a convenient way to make payments, and understanding how it works can make a big difference in your shopping experience.
Tap-to-pay operates through Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which allows data exchange between devices close to each other, typically within a few centimeters.
To make a payment, you'll need an NFC-enabled device, such as a contactless card or a smart device.
The payment process is fast and secure, and it doesn't require physical contact between the card or smartphone and the payment terminal.
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Here are the steps involved in a Mastercard Tap and Pay transaction:
- NFC-enabled devices: The customer’s payment card (credit, debit, or mobile wallet app) and the merchant’s payment terminal must be equipped with NFC technology.
- Close proximity: The customer holds their NFC-enabled card or smartphone close to the merchant’s NFC-enabled terminal to make the payment.
- Data transmission: The NFC antennas in both devices communicate with each other. The customer’s payment information is securely stored in the NFC chip and transmitted to the merchant’s terminal.
- Authentication: The payment terminal validates the transaction by sending the payment details to the payment network (such as the card issuer—e.g. Visa, Mastercard, and the customer’s bank) for authorization.
- Secure transaction: The payment network verifies the transaction details, ensuring sufficient funds and confirming the transaction’s authenticity. A unique, one-time code is generated for that specific transaction if approved.
- Completion: The transaction is completed, and the customer receives a payment confirmation. The entire process is fast and secure and does not require physical contact between the card or smartphone and the payment terminal.
Implementation and Support
Implementing Mastercard Tap and Pay requires careful consideration of costs and fees. Full-service providers like Stax use flat-rate subscription pricing, which keeps fees low when businesses process high volumes.
To evaluate costs, run the numbers and consider your transaction volume when selecting a merchant service provider. This will help you identify the most cost-effective option for your business.
Fees to watch out for include transaction fees, chargeback fees, monthly minimums, statement fees, gateway fees, PCI compliance fees, upgrade and support fees, cancellation fees, and additional hardware costs.
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Businesses Can Implement
Businesses can implement tap-to-pay technology by upgrading or purchasing necessary hardware. This may include updating NFC-enabled terminals or readers to ensure they are up to date with the latest technology.
It's essential to consider the infrastructure required for advanced features, such as Wi-Fi or data connectivity.
Full-service POS and credit card payment providers can offer complete solutions, including hardware, software, and backend payment processing. This is crucial for accepting contactless payments.
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These providers often have direct relationships with card networks, allowing for competitive transaction rates and seamless transactions.
To evaluate costs and fees, consider flat-rate subscription pricing, which can be beneficial for businesses with high transaction volumes. However, this may not be the best option for businesses with low transaction rates.
Here are some fees to watch out for:
- Transaction fees
- Chargeback fees
- Monthly minimums
- Statement fees
- Gateway fees
- PCI compliance fees
- Upgrade and support fees
- Cancellation fees
- Additional hardware costs.
By considering these factors, businesses can make an informed decision about which provider to choose.
Cvm Limit
Cvm Limit is an essential aspect of implementation and support. The Cvm Limit is set at 100 units, which is a standard value that can be adjusted based on specific requirements. This limit is crucial in preventing system overload and ensuring smooth performance. The Cvm Limit is a safety net that prevents the system from crashing due to excessive workload.
The Cvm Limit can be adjusted to accommodate large datasets and complex queries. In some cases, the limit can be increased to 200 units, but this should be done with caution to avoid system instability. Adjusting the Cvm Limit requires careful consideration of system resources and performance.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contactless_payment
- https://staxpayments.com/blog/tap-to-pay/
- https://developer.apple.com/tap-to-pay/
- https://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/main/about_contactless.html
- https://www.linkedin.com/posts/troy-dennis992_tap-to-pay-on-iphone-and-mastercard-small-activity-7179131677808472064-LxyW
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