Apple Pay and Google Wallet Smartphone Payments

In 2025, NFC payments (Near-Field Communications, sometimes referred to as Apple Pay, Google Wallet or Tap-to-pay smartphone payments) are continuing their rise, becoming more integrated into daily life and expanding beyond basic tap-to-pay functionality. This growth is driven by consumer preference for convenience (especially among Gen Z and Millennials) and increased security, as well as businesses adopting NFC for faster checkout experiences and improved customer satisfaction.

What are Contactless Payments?

The ability to wave a card or device at a terminal and checkout is becoming the norm, with consumers increasingly using smartphones, wearables (Like an Apple Watch), and even cards embedded with smart-chip NFC technology. Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Wallet are gaining popularity, offering a convenient and secure way to store payment information and make contactless payments.

The contactless payment market is projected to experience significant growth, with some estimates predicting an increase between 2024 and 2025 of 21.1%. This growth is fueled by the increasing adoption of contactless payments, the expansion of mobile wallets, and the integration of NFC technology into various aspects of daily life.

This increase in popularity for these digital wallet payments means it is incredibly important to partner with a provider who not only supports these types of payments but can provide the terminal and POS equipment that supports NFC payments. Dharma supports NFC payments on all its card-present, in-person point-of-sale devices, including credit card terminals and Clover POS devices. If you are unsure whether your current device allows for NFC payments, please reach out to Dharma and we would be happy to help.

To sum it up

2025 is seeing a continued surge in NFC payments, driven by consumer demand for convenience and security, and businesses recognizing the benefits of faster transactions and improved customer satisfaction. If you aren’t already allowing NFC payments, contact Dharma for more information.