Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, freelancer, or small shop owner, here’s how to take payments on your phone with just a few taps…
Running a small business or selling on the go doesn’t have to mean carrying extra equipment. Thanks to modern mobile payment solutions, you can accept payments right from your phone – no card reader required. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, freelancer, or small shop owner, here’s how to take payments on your phone with just a few taps…
Use Tap to Pay technology
If you have a modern Android phone or an iPhone with NFC (Near Field Communication), you can accept contactless payments directly on your phone. Many major payment providers now support "Tap to Pay", a system that lets customers tap their debit/credit card or digital wallet (e.g. Apple Pay or Google Pay) on your phone to pay.
Top providers offering Tap to Pay in the UK:
- SumUp Tap to Pay (Android & iPhone) - easy setup via the SumUp app, no additional hardware needed. Great for sole traders or mobile businesses.
- Zettle Tap to Pay by PayPal (iPhone & select Androids) - accepts contactless cards and digital wallets. Pairs well with other PayPal services.
- Square Tap to Pay (iPhone only for now) - reliable option with a sleek app interface and no monthly fees.
What you need
To get started, you’ll typically need:
- A smartphone with NFC (iPhone XS or later, most Android phones from the last few years)
- A supported payment app (SumUp, Zettle, Square, etc.)
- A verified account with that payment provider
- A stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data)
How it works
- Download your chosen payment provider’s app.
- Sign up and complete identity verification (usually takes minutes).
- Enable Tap to Pay (this option may be in app settings or show up after setup).
- Enter the payment amount.
- Ask your customer to tap their card or phone to the back of your phone.
- Get paid – funds are deposited to your linked bank account, often the next business day.
Fees to expect
Most Tap to Pay providers charge a per-transaction fee – usually around 1.5% to 1.75%. There are typically no setup fees or monthly costs, which makes it perfect for casual sellers or pop-up events.
Is it secure?
Yes, Tap to Pay uses the same secure encryption and tokenisation as traditional card readers. It’s PCI-compliant, and customers will still be asked for their PIN if needed (they'll enter it on your phone screen).
Bonus tip: send payment links or QR codes
If a customer isn’t nearby, you can also accept payments remotely:
- Payment links: generate a link via your app and send it via text, email, or social media.
- QR codes: display a QR code that customers can scan to pay on their own device.
Both are great options if you're selling online or delivering services remotely.