WHAT ARE NFC TAGS USED FOR?

Contactless payments

One of the most common uses of NFC tags is for mobile payments. Newer credit and debit cards include an NFC tag, so users can hold their card just above a payment terminal rather than swiping or inserting it. NFC-enabled credit and debit cards will have a symbol on the front or back that looks similar to the images below.

Smartphones that are NFC-enabled can also conduct mobile payments when paired with an app like Google Pay, Apple Pay, or Samsung Pay. The phone acts as a virtual NFC tag and can be touched to or waved over an NFC-enabled payment terminal, replacing the need to use a physical credit or debit card.

Interacting with products

Companies have begun to integrate NFC tags into their products for additional interaction after customers have bought the item.

For example, Nintendo has included NFC tags into their Amiibo figures. Once a user holds their device near the tag, they receive special characters, items, or additional content. Nike includes NFC tags in sports jerseys and shoes. Once scanned, users get personalized content based on the product, such as statistics on a specific player or recent scores for a team.

Data transfer

Data can be transferred wirelessly between two NFC-equipped devices. When two phones are touched back to back, the content being viewed on one device will be sent to the other, such as photos or contacts. File transfers can be handled via Bluetooth once the transfer is initiated, but users won’t have to go through a Bluetooth pairing process; it will be transferred using NFC technology.

Transit and security passes

NFC-enabled devices can be used to replace transit passes on transit systems or boarding passes at the airport. NFC can also be used to access secured areas. Users with corresponding NFC tags can tap their device or card against a security reader, allowing them access to the area.

Apple released a feature called Car Keys that allows users to unlock, lock, and start their NFC-capable vehicle with their NFC-enabled device.

Whilst the primary use in the consumer world will be contactless payments, in the business world there are many other applications that bring with them some excellent benefits, including:

• Improved efficiency
• Lower business costs
• Excellent ROI
• Vastly improved interaction with your clients