Have you heard about Near Field Communications? Maybe not, but have you used your credit card to tap pay, Google Play, Samsung Pay, or Apple Pay? Near Field Communication, also known as NFC, enables two devices to share a small amount of information when near each other. Moreover, only one of the devices needs to be powered by electricity. Communication occurs via radio frequencies. With phones, NFC often shares web pages and payment information.
NFC is available on all Android devices running 4.0 and later and Apple devices after iPhone 6. When sharing data, make sure the device receiving the data is active and not asleep or locked. When sharing web content, NFC shares the URL, and a browser will prompt to open the URL in a new window.
NFC cards or tags can be programmed using an NFC chip inside the card that stores small pieces of information. An NFC-capable device can read this information, such as a smartphone. The data can lead to contact information, a URL, settings, or even commands that run an App on your smartphone (with your permission, of course)
Is NFC Secure?
NFC is a more secure way to exchange data than magnetic strip credit cards. The data stored by NFC can be encrypted and dynamic instead of magnetic strips, which are static. For example, the data is scrambled through Apple Pay, so it is hard to extract and replicate. For more information, visit SquareUp’s guide to NFC.
What is the benefit of NFC?
NFC is a secure, fast, and convenient way to share data and make payments. NFC takes just seconds, as opposed to the EMV chips cards, which can take a while to pay with (EMV stands for “Europay, Mastercard, Visa” which appear on most modern credit cards). It is also convenient because smartphones share information, which many people use.
In today’s digital and pandemic-afflicted world, where many people avoid human contact or contact with dirty surfaces, NFC cards are a great way to share information without contact and make payments without cash. Some forward-thinking companies are even exploring ways that NFC can open doors without touching the handle.
We are excited to announce that NFC cards and tags can now be used to launch any ReviewInc URL to assist with touchless check-in, review campaigns, private feedback forms, and more! To learn more about NFC Cards, feel free to reach out to your Account Executive or [email protected].
