What is contactless payment, and why your shop should turn it on

Short answer: Contactless lets clients pay by holding a card, phone or watch near the terminal. Each payment uses a one-time code, so it's secure, it's faster than chip, and it's easier for clients with wet hands or fresh polish.

How does contactless work?

The card or phone uses short-range radio (NFC) to talk to the terminal from a few centimeters away. Instead of sending the real card number, it sends a one-time code for that transaction. Even if someone captured the code, they couldn't reuse it.

Why it helps service businesses

• Fast: one tap, no handing the card to staff.
• Great for nail salons: clients with fresh polish don't dig through a wallet or push a card into a slot.
• Less contact: clients keep their card or phone in hand.
• Clients expect it: many carry only their phone.

Are there amount limits?

Some banks and cards set a limit for tap payments without a PIN. Phone wallets already verify the client with Face ID or a fingerprint, so they're usually less limited. If the terminal asks for chip, that's the card issuer's rule.

What about Tap to Pay on your own phone?

Tap to Pay turns a staff phone into a card reader with no extra hardware. It suits independents and chair-side checkout. Availability depends on the phone model and your processor.

Check your terminal

1. Look for the four-wave contactless symbol.
2. Test a small charge with Apple Pay or Google Pay.
3. If it doesn't work, ask your processor about a newer model.

Kashela sends the amount to the terminal at your desk; the client picks a tip and taps a card or phone, and the result returns to the ticket. Read about semi-integrated payments.