Contactless Payments Are Now the Standard

Contactless payments have become a customer expectation. Once seen as a convenience, they are now required by many shoppers, especially younger consumers who value speed and ease.

“It’s not just about looking into the future anymore. This is about offering solutions that consumers expect today,” said Julie Malikayil, Senior Manager, Payments Products at Discover® Network.

Contactless Is the New Default

Tap-to-pay, mobile wallets, and transit-ready payments are now common. Consumers expect to pay quickly and securely, using devices already in their hands. For many, the ability to tap and go is no longer optional.

To meet this demand, businesses have had to upgrade their point-of-sale systems. These new systems often connect with tools for loyalty, CRM, and inventory, turning the payment moment into a valuable data source.

Fast and Secure

Speed does not reduce security. Contactless payments use encrypted technologies like EMV and NFC. Each transaction creates a unique, one-time code. The card number is never exposed.

Mobile wallets add another layer. They use tokenization, so the card data is never transmitted during the transaction. All of this is backed by PCI DSS compliance standards that protect customer data.

“Customers can feel comfortable that their contactless transactions are just as secure as the contact-based transaction that they are used to,” Malikayil said.

Contactless as Strategy

Payments are now a part of the customer journey. When integrated with backend systems, contactless transactions support real-time personalization, faster checkout, and better service.

Businesses that ignore this shift miss out on long-term customer value. Every tap is not just a sale, but a chance to build trust and loyalty.

What’s Next: Tap to Own and AI

The next wave is already in motion. “Tap to own” allows customers to tap their card to their own device to complete an online or in-app purchase. It extends the security of EMV and NFC into remote channels.

Artificial intelligence will push this further. AI improves fraud detection, personalizes the checkout flow, and optimizes back-end systems.

“The capabilities that AI introduces are going to affect everything that we do today,” Malikayil said.

Contactless is no longer a nice-to-have. It is a business requirement. Merchants must deliver fast, secure, and simple payment options. The technology matters, but the customer experience matters more.

Payment Solutions with Kubera Payments

At Kubera Payments, we help businesses across North America move millions of dollars daily, whether in-store, online, or on mobile. Our team of payment experts is here to guide you through the complexities of payment processing, ensuring your transactions are secure, reliable, and PCI-compliant. We have strong relationships with a wide network of acquirers and can help you find the right front-end and technology solutions to work together.

Get expert advice on optimizing your payments — let’s talk.

Contact our team at sales@kuberapayments.com or 604-484-9278.

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