Accepting Tap-to-Pay payments on your Android devices can benefit your business, especially if you’re a sole trader.
Tap-to-Pay essentially turns your Android device into a POS terminal – Customers use contactless cards or mobile wallets to pay you on the spot.
In this guide, you’ll learn about common Tap-to-Pay apps and how to get set up so you can start taking payments from your Android device.
What is Tap-to-Pay?
Tap-to-Pay is a contactless payment method that securely transmits payment information using near-field communication (NFC) technology. Customers tap their smartphone or card on a compatible payment terminal to make a purchase.
What are the benefits of taking Tap-to-Pay payments?
The benefits of taking Tap-to-Pay payments include faster transactions, enhanced security and customer convenience.
Tap-to-Pay is faster than swiping a card or handling cash. It’s also highly secure – each transaction is encrypted. Moreover, more customers expect businesses to offer this payment method. The Reserve Bank of Australia mobile wallets accounted for 25% of all debit and credit card transactions in 2022.
Adding this option will ensure you never lose a sale to customers who prefer to Tap to Pay.
What are the common Tap-to-Pay apps for Android devices?
Common Tap-to-Pay apps can turn Android devices into mobile point-of-sale terminals. This means you don’t need to invest in hiring expensive equipment — ideal for a sole trader. Common Tap-to-Pay apps include:
Solo by MYOB
If you're a sole operator, the Solo by MYOB app will be your perfect fit! Simply snap a picture of your receipt and watch the important details autofill into the app. You can track all of your expenses in one place while automated expense categorisation keeps you ATO-ready and error free, so you're always ready for tax time.
Take payments on the spot
Tap to Pay uses the latest technology to let you take in-person payments instantly. Available on Android and iPhone, with the ability to accept payments from physical debit and credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Automatic payments at zero cost
Payments are processed and invoices are auto-matched as paid, with zero set up costs or hardware needed. Simply apply for Tap to Pay in-app and get approved in no time.
The secure way to pay
Be confident that you’re using one of the most secure payment methods available, with encrypted data and tokenised transactions as standard.
ANZ Worldline
ANZ Worldline is one of the most popular providers offering Tap to Pay Android. They charge a fee of 1.3% per transaction and let you add up to five devices per account.
Square
Square’s Tap-to-Pay app integrates with its suite of business tools. It charges 1.6% per transaction and has no additional set-up costs, hidden fees or long-term contracts.
Stripe
Stripe is a global leader in managing electronic payments. They only offer Tap to Pay on Android if you also have Stripe Terminal SDK. This is a physical terminal, so may not suit sole traders.
Tyro
Tyro was one of the first mobile business banking companies to offer Tap to Pay on iPhone in Australia. The tap-to-Pay app includes features like split bills, tipping and integration with popular point-of-sale systems. This makes it suitable for hospitality and retail.
Westpac
Westpac’s Tap-to-Pay app works with Westpac’s broader banking services, so you’ll need a Westpac account and the EFTPOS Air app. Transaction fees are low at 1.4% and they deposit payments in your account on the same day.
Zeller
Zeller’s Tap-to-Pay Android app connects to its other financial services. You’ll pay 1.4% per transaction for all cards, including American Express.
Tap to Pay is also available on iPhone. If you use an Android phone, read our guide to using Tap to Pay on iPhone
How to accept Android Tap-to-Pay payments as a sole trader
To accept Android Tap-to-Pay payments as a sole trader, follow these three steps:
Enable near field communication on your Android device
In settings, you can enable near-Field Communication (NFC) on your Android device. This step is crucial as NFC is the technology that enables Tap-to-Pay functionality.
Download your preferred payment processing app
Download a payment processing app that supports Tap-to-Pay. You can do this in the Google Play Store.
To enable Tap to Pay for Solo by MYOB, download the Solo app and sign in. Tap the “Money In’ button and click on the “Tap to Pay” banner. Click the “Enable now” button and you’re good to go!
Activate Tap to Pay through your payment processing app
To activate Tap to Pay, go to the settings in your payment processing app. You may need to complete additional verification steps or agree to terms of service.
Accept payments using your Android device
You’re now ready to accept payments using your Android device. Simply open your payment app and enter the transaction amount. Hold the customer’s contactless card or device near your Android’s NFC reader. Wait for the payment to process and confirm the transaction.
TIP: Easily track all your Tap-to-Pay payments with MYOB Business Lite. The accounting software automatically syncs banking data for you to reconcile against point-of-sale records. This means your business information is always up-to-date, complete and well-organised.
How to make payments using Tap-to-Pay on Android devices
To make payments using Tap-to-Pay on Android devices:
Enable near-field communication in your Android settings
To enable near-field communication, look for “Connections” or “Wireless & networks” in your Android settings.
Open the Google Wallet App
To open Google Wallet, tap the icon on your Android device. If you don't have it installed, download it from the Google Play Store.
Add your debit or credit card
To add your debit or credit card to your Google Wallet, tap “Add a card” and follow the prompts.
Set Google Pay as your default payment app
You can set Google Pay as your default payment app from your device settings, then follow this pathway: Apps & notifications> Default apps>Tap & pay> Google Pay.
Hold your phone up to the contactless terminal
To make a purchase using Tap-to-Pay, unlock your phone and hold it close to the contactless payment terminal. Wait for the confirmation sound or vibration. This indicates that the payment has been processed successfully.
How to make payments using Tap-to-Pay on Samsung devices
To make payments using Tap-to-Pay on Samsung devices:
Enable near-field communication in your Samsung settings
To enable near-field communication in Samsung settings, look for the “Connections” option.
Open the Samsung Pay app
Open the Samsung Pay app on your device’s home screen or app drawer. If it’s not installed, download it from the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store.
Add your debit or credit card
To add your debit or credit card, tap “Add a card” or the “+” button, then follow the prompts.
Tap the pay tab and select your preferred card
To select your preferred card, open Samsung Pay and navigate to the “Pay” tab. If you have multiple cards, swipe through them to select.
Choose your desired security option
You can choose how you want to authenticate your payments. It could be with a fingerprint, PIN or iris scan, depending on what’s available on your device).
Hold your phone up to the contactless reader
To make a payment, hold your device close to the contactless reader. Wait for the confirmation sound or vibration that indicates a successful transaction.
Android Tap-to-Pay FAQs
What are the benefits of Tap-to-Pay on Android?
The benefits of Tap-to-Pay on Android are speed, enhanced security and customer convenience. They’re contactless, which makes them more hygienic.
Is using Tap-to-Pay on Android devices secure?
Tap-to-Pay on Android devices is very secure. It encrypts payment information and will nearly always require authentication for transactions.
What are the drawbacks of using Google Pay?
A drawback of using Google Pay is that it offers only limited ways to pay. This means you’ll need to provide customers with alternatives.
Tap your way to faster pay
Tap-to-Pay adds another way for your customers to pay. If you use a Tap-to-Pay app on your Android device, you’ll avoid having to invest in expensive equipment. That protects your cashflow — when people can pay you on the spot, you’re more likely to get paid faster.
That goes for invoices you send, too. With Solo by MYOB, customers can click the ‘Pay now’ button on their invoices to pay by credit card, BPay, Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal.
Make it easier to get paid faster — try Solo by MYOB today.