Near Field Communication (NFC) is a contactless communication technology that enables data exchange between two devices at a short distance. Initially popularized through transport cards and contactless payments, NFC has become an essential standard in consumers’ daily lives.
Among the providers of contactless card readers, you’ll find manufacturers like SpringCard, ACS WalletMate, VTAP Dot Origin, and Socket Mobile. In the payment terminal sector, major players include Adyen, Square, and others.
Today, the integration of NFC into smartphones via mobile wallets like Apple Wallet and Google Wallet is unlocking new opportunities to simplify identification and access to services.
Mass Adoption Driven by Contactless Payments
Contactless payments have made consumers familiar with the natural gesture of bringing their smartphone close to a terminal. This intuitive behavior is now expanding far beyond payments, enabling seamless access to various services.
In this context, NFC digital cards stored in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet are becoming a standard for authentication and secure access.
Generating NFC Cards in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet: A Major Opportunity for Brands
Businesses can issue digital NFC cards for a wide range of use cases:
Loyalty Cards
With a loyalty card integrated into the wallet, customers simply tap their phone against an NFC terminal for instant and effortless identification. There’s no need to manually look up a customer in a database—identification is fully automated. This efficiency allows store staff to focus on customer experience and service.
Once the customer is identified through their mobile wallet, their information is automatically recognized and linked to their profile in your existing POS system, such as Shopify or Livestore.
This means their loyalty points and rewards are updated in real-time, reinforcing customer engagement while streamlining loyalty management in stores.
After the transaction, the customer instantly receives a digital receipt in their wallet, making purchase tracking and returns easier than ever.
Event Tickets
By adding tickets to mobile wallets, attendees can enjoy frictionless event access thanks to NFC technology, which pre-selects the right ticket at the entrance.
All they need to do is tap their phone on the access control system—no need to open an app or search for an email ticket. Moreover, NFC ensures secure data transmission, preventing fraud since there’s no way to share ticket credentials.
Additionally, NFC passes update in real-time whenever a change is made in your ticketing system. Whether it’s a cancellation, exchange, or resale, attendees receive instant updates directly in their mobile wallet.
👉 Want to learn more? Discover how mobile wallets offer a seamless and secure event access experience.
Real-World Examples of NFC in Events
NFC’s role in the event industry isn’t just limited to ticketing. Leading sports clubs like Manchester City and Bayern Munich allow their season ticket holders to add their membership cards directly to their mobile wallets.
With NFC technology, members simply tap their phone on stadium entry gates to gain access—no physical card required.
Transport Cards: Instant Validation for Metro and Buses
NFC technology is also widely used in urban transportation systems, including:
- Buses
- Metro systems
- Trains
- Trams
By integrating transport tickets into mobile wallets, public transit operators can provide:
✅ Increased convenience
✅ Shorter lines
✅ A smoother, faster travel experience
📌 New update: The Navigo Pass, used in Paris’ public transportation network, can now be validated via NFC on iPhones as of May 21, 2024—a feature previously available only on Android.
The Benefits of NFC Cards in Mobile Wallets
✔ Instant Access: No need to search for a physical card or email confirmation—the card is pre-selected and ready to use.
✔ A Natural Gesture: Users simply tap their phone, just like they do for contactless payments, to identify themselves or gain access.
✔ Reduced Fraud: Unlike QR codes or plastic cards, NFC wallet cards cannot be easily shared. For loyalty cards and event tickets, authentication via Face ID/Touch ID ensures secure access.
✔ Frictionless Experience: No need to open an app—everything is natively integrated into the mobile ecosystem.
Conclusion
The use of NFC in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet is emerging as a more secure and more convenient alternative to QR codes and physical cards.
For businesses, NFC modernizes the customer experience, reduces fraud, and optimizes access and payment management.
💡 Neostore is already helping multiple brands integrate NFC cards into mobile wallets. Want to learn more? Contact us today!