How can I accept contactless payments directly on my smartphone?

  • Updated

We have developed Tap to Pay, a feature that lets you accept card payments directly from your Android phone, no additional card reader needed.

Who can use Tap to Pay?

Tap to Pay is now available in Alpha version for 600 clients in France, across all plans. The transactions fees depend on your pricing plan:

  • EU Consumer Cards: 1.2% for Basic & Smart plans, 0.8% for Premium plans
  • Business & Non-EU Cards: 2.6% for all plans

Qonto’s transaction fees are lower than competitors like SumUp, Zettle, and Square.

What do I need to use Tap to Pay?

  • An Android smartphone with NFC* capability
    • Android version 11 updated to the latest security patch
    • Must have an NFC reader
  • An internet connection (offline payments are not supported)

 

💡NFC, or Near Field Communication, is a technology that enables smartphones to accept contactless payments. By activating it, your phone functions as a payment terminal: the customer simply taps their card or device (with Apple Pay or Google Pay) to complete the payment.

 

Not all Android phones have the same NFC chip position, which can make card reading more challenging. Try moving the card slowly across the back of your phone to find the best reading zone. Depending on the model, the NFC chip may be located at the top (near the camera) or in the center of the device. For precise location, check your phone's manual.

We recommend you make a first transaction with your own card to test Tap to Pay and locate your smartphone's NFC zone. Currently, transactions are free of charge. Take advantage of this to try it out before charging your customers.

 

How does Tap to Pay work?

  1. Make sure NFC is enabled in your phone settings.
  2. Currently, Tap to Pay accepts Visa and Mastercard payments. American Express is not yet supported, but we are evaluating its integration based on user needs.
  3. Open the Qonto app and click on Tap to Pay.
  4. Enter the payment amount to be charged and tap Charge.
  5. Ask your customer to tap their card or uses Apple Pay/Google Pay on your phone.
    • For payments under €50, the transaction is processed directly.
    • For amounts over €50, the customer will need to confirm using their PIN code.
  6. Once the payment is approved, you can send a receipt by SMS or email.

Keep in mind that receipts must be sent immediately after the payment, you will not be able to send receipts for past payments.

You can view all your payments in real time in the Tap to Pay section, whether they are successful, pending, or settled to your Qonto account.

For security reasons, the Qonto app requires a lock code. We recommend enabling biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition) for faster access to Tap to Pay and quicker transactions.

How can I access the Alpha version?

This Alpha version is currently available for a limited number of clients. If you are interested in joining the Alpha phase, please contact our support via chat for more details. Additionally, Tap to Pay is free during the Alpha stage, so you can test and enjoy the feature without additional costs.

Are there transactions limits?

Yes, here they are:

  • Minimum amount: €0.10
  • Maximum amount: €100,000

Payments up to €50 are processed without entering a PIN code. For higher amounts paid with a physical card, the customer will need to enter their PIN directly on your smartphone to validate the transaction.

 

What about refunds?

At this stage, refunds are not immediately available through the app. Here’s how it works during the Alpha phase:

  1. Initially: Refunds are not yet available directly in the application. During the Alpha phase, they can be handled manually by Qonto's customer service. Please allow for processing time and contact our support for any refund requests.
    We recommend merchants plan an alternative refund method, such as cash.
  2. Later: Refunds will become available via Qonto’s Customer Service. Keep in mind:
    • Refunds will not be instant and will only be processed during Customer Service hours.
    • We still recommend having an alternative method for refunds during this period.

When will payments appear in my Qonto account?

Payments received with Tap to Pay are credited to your Qonto account on the next business day, grouped as a single payout:

  • 10 payments of €10 taken on Monday will be credited as €100 on Tuesday.
  • 10 payments of €10 taken on Friday will be credited on Monday.

Each payout includes a statement detailing the payments and any associated fees.

These transfers do not affect your incoming or outgoing transfer limit.