09 Apr Accepting mobile wallet payments
Can I accept mobile wallet payments on a BOIPA terminal? Yes – all BOIPA point of sale terminals are set-up to accept Google Pay (G-Pay) and Apple Pay mobile wallet payments.
What are mobile wallets?
A mobile wallet is a virtual wallet that stores debit and credit card information. Mobile wallets allow consumers to ‘tap to pay’ for goods and services without using a physical payment card. Apple Pay (for iPhone) and G-Pay (for Android) are the most commonly used mobile wallets. Mobile wallets can be used on many devices including smartphones and smartwatches.
Mobile wallet payments work without the customer needing to touch your card terminal, as they would if they had to enter a card pin. This reduces contact with surfaces and helps keep your customers and staff safe from germs and viruses spreading. If you are looking for information on how to disinfect your card terminal we have instructions as to how you can do it thoroughly, and without damaging the terminal, here.
Are mobile wallets safe and secure?
Yes. Mobile wallets are widely considered to be safer than traditional wallets. With mobile wallets you need a password, fingerprint or face scan before the payment can go through. Also, a process called ‘tokenisation’ is used when a mobile payment is made which means that when your payment information is sent over Near Field Communication (NFC), it is encrypted in the form of a ‘token’. This allows the payment to be processed without exposing actual account details to the mobile wallet provider. Meaning your details are kept safe and secure.
How many people use mobile wallets?
We conducted a nationally representative survey of consumers in Ireland in February 2020 and found that 34% of consumers have used a mobile wallet. We expect to see this usage grow significantly in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and the move towards contactless and mobile wallet payments to reduce the need for touching the card terminal.
What is the process to accept a mobile wallet payment?
For the merchant, the process is the same as putting any other sale through a POS terminal. For the consumer, the process for completing the transaction depends on which mobile app they are using:
- How to use Apple Pay: You can either use Face ID (double click the side button, then look at your phone), a passcode (type it in), or a fingerprint (rest your finger on Touch ID). Then hold the top of the phone near the reader and wait for a “Done” accompanied by a checkmark.
- How to use G-Pay: Unlock your phone and hold it near the POS until you see a blue checkmark.
Are there any maximum transaction value limits for mobile payments?
Mobile wallet payments do not have the same limit as contactless transactions, which has been increased to €50 since the 1st of April 2020. Individual retailers can set limits on mobile wallet payments that can be put through their card terminals. However, most retailers in Ireland, that accept mobile wallet payments do not have a cap on the value of the transaction. This is because the transactions are safe and secure as they require some form of authentication, like a password or fingerprint, in the same was a physical card transaction requires a pin.
Why should my business accept mobile wallet payments?
Consumers almost always carry their mobile phone, even if they haven’t brought their wallet. Accepting mobile payments allows consumers to purchase from you even when they haven’t gone out with the intention of buying something.
How can I start accepting mobile wallet payments?
If you already have a BOIPA payment terminal you don’t need to do anything, you can start accepting mobile wallet payments immediately. If you are not already a BOIPA customer, fill in form below and we will be in touch to help you on your way to accepting mobile payments.
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