Contactless payments allow shoppers to pay for goods or services without needing to swipe a card, enter a PIN, or sign for a transaction—essentially, allowing the transaction to take place without touching anything.
Note: The most common contactless payment apps either operate with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, or using a QR code.
NFC is a form of wireless, contactless communication between devices in close proximity to each other—for example, a phone and a card reader at a cash wrap—that allows them to exchange small amounts of data. NFC technology essentially allows a person to link their payment methods to their phone, and to use their phone with a contactless reader to complete a transaction.