How to pay with your phone: current methods in 2025

Not having cash or a bank card with you has ceased to be a problem since it became possible to pay with your phone. It is provided by NFC technology, using QR codes and payment stickers.

In this article, we will cover each of the ways to pay with a smartphone, analyze the advantages of the options, and choose the best one. There will be a lot of other helpful information, so read the article to the end.

NFC payment by phone: definition of technology and payment apps

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range (10-20 cm) wireless communication technology that can be activated in one click. It allows devices, in particular smartphones and payment terminals, to communicate instantly (without the Internet or Bluetooth) and exchange data. It is used not only for payments, but today we will focus on NFC payment by phone.

Transactions are carried out using Apple Pay and Google Pay applications for smartphones with iOS or Android, respectively. In addition, Samsung has developed a separate payment system for its gadgets called Samsung Pay.

Apple Pay

Apple has created the first NFC payment app, which became the basis for the rest. It allows you to pay with your phone, tablet, or smartwatch.

To set up the app on your smartphone, you need to:

• open settings, then Wallet and Apple Pay;

• select adding a card in the pop-up window;

• click "Credit or Debit Card";

• follow further instructions;

• go through the confirmation stage.

Using this algorithm, you can add any number of cards and pay for purchases using your phone. To do this, on iPhones 8 and above, you need to double-click "Home" > select a card from the list > use Touch ID > bring the gadget to the payment terminal. On models X and above, double-click on the lock > select a card > use Face ID > pay.

Google Pay

It is an analogue of Apple Pay for Android, the predecessor of which was Android Pay. Setting up and using the app is largely similar. To pay for purchases with your phone, first add bank cards to Google Pay. To do this:

• open the "Payment" menu;

• select "+payment method";

• enter card details/scan it;

• add the address;

• agree to the customer service rules;

• confirm the card via a pin code in an SMS.

How to pay: unlock the gadget > bring the phone to the terminal > wait for the transaction to be confirmed.

Samsung Pay

To use it, register a Samsung Account and download the app from the Galaxy Store, updating the gadget's firmware to the latest. Next, open Samsung Pay > click "Login" > log in via Samsung Account (if you are prompted to use biometrics, you can click "Not now"/set up Samsung Pass) > select an option for confirming transactions: pin, iris, fingerprint > add a bank card.

How to buy with a smartphone:

• swipe up > select a card in the app;

• log in using the selected method;

• bring the gadget to the terminal.

How to pay with a card via phone using a QR code

If your smartphone does not support NFC, contactless payment is available via QR codes. These are black and white pixel squares that contain encrypted information – links, texts, transaction details. By scanning the image with a phone scanner / special app, you can instantly pay for goods and services with your phone.

Special applications are also used for such payments – for example, Kaspi Pay from Kaspi Bank.

Kaspi Pay for Business

The application is designed specifically for businesses to accept payments for goods/services from customers, including via QR codes.

To start using the application, an individual entrepreneur needs to download it and follow the instructions. After registering, the user receives an individual entrepreneur account. If this is a new individual entrepreneur, it takes 3 days to connect. For existing entrepreneurs, the service is available daily. How can an LLP connect to Kaspi Pay? If you have an account in the bank of the same name, submit an application. If you do not have an account, in addition to the application, you must come to the bank and sign a service agreement. You can accept payments from customers in three ways: via a printed QR code placed at the checkout, via a mobile POS terminal, and by sending customers invoices for remote payments.

To meet users' needs, there is Kaspi.kz – an app for shopping, paying for utilities, cash withdrawals, etc. To pay for purchases with a phone via QR codes, the app has a Kaspi QR utility for scanning codes. If payment is made through a POS terminal, after scanning the transaction amount will appear on the mobile display. If the user scans a printed QR, the numbers in the app will need to be entered manually. The process concludes with the selection of the payment method and confirmation of the transaction.

What are payment stickers

Payment stickers are another alternative to paying with your phone if there is no NFC.

They are small plates with a built-in chip (essentially, miniature debit cards). The stickers are glued to a smartphone/phone case/keychain/bracelet and activated with a PIN code. Each sticker is used to work with a specific bank. This is a reliable way to buy with a smartphone since the stickers have protection: if the sticker is lost, it can be blocked via a hotline or through the app.

How to find out if your phone has a contactless payment function

Contactless transactions are supported by iPhones 6 series and later. NFC chips are present on Androids starting with version 4.0. The manufacturer's website or instructions will tell you the exact information. You can also check for NFC in the settings: open Settings > find Connections > find the corresponding icon. Another way is to use the search bar. The DevCheck Hardware and System Info, Device Info, CPU-Z, Inware and Geekbench 5 applications also help find the option to pay with your phone. Lastly, the NFC Check app can be used to check the status of the contactless payment module.

Banks in Kazakhstan that support QR payments

Purchases using QR are a universal and affordable way to pay with your phone. The method does not require businesses to invest in additional equipment and is convenient for customers because it is supported by smartphones without NFC. The security of instant transactions is guaranteed by the use of official banking applications. The QR payment function in their applications is supported by such Kazakhstani banks as:

• Halyk Bank;

• Kaspi Bank;

• Bereke Bank (former Sberbank Kazakhstan).

Banks of Kazakhstan that support NFC payments via smartphone

For contactless payments using smartphones on iOS and Android, various payment services are available, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, as well as proprietary apps from certain Kazakhstani banks. These apps allow users to link and store their debit and credit cards.

To date, the following banks support NFC payments via mobile apps:

• Kaspi Bank;

• Halyk Bank;

• Jýsan Bank;

• CenterCredit;

• Bereke Bank.

To pay, simply select the desired card in the app or payment service and hold your smartphone up to the terminal. In some services, you can set up express payment, whereby the purchase is made without having to open the app each time.

How to pay with your phone conveniently and profitably

Let's compare the advantages of different options.

Google Pay, Apple Pay, and other NFC services don’t require internet or a camera — you just need to hold your phone near the terminal.

Most retail outlets support payment apps and often offer cashback or bonuses. Many of them work with both debit and credit cards.

QR payments are convenient if your smartphone doesn’t have NFC and also allow you to make purchases in installments. QR is widely used in Kazakhstan, especially in small shops and by individual entrepreneurs. Some banks also offer cashback for QR payments.

Payment stickers are physical NFC tags that can be attached to your phone or other items. They don’t require the internet and can even be used at ATMs with contactless support. However, their security level is lower than that of smartphones with PIN or biometric authentication.

In terms of convenience, speed, and potential benefits (like cashback and bonuses), NFC payments via smartphone and payment apps are the leaders. However, the best approach is to combine all available payment methods depending on the situation.

Conclusion

Contactless payments via smartphone are fast and convenient. A variety of options makes them accessible to every device owner, while advanced technologies take transaction security to a whole new level.

Developing an efficient and secure payment architecture is the mission of PAYGATE. For 18 years, we have been providing services to companies seeking to make their payments more efficient. Do you want your customers to enjoy the easiest and most convenient way to pay for your products and services? Reach out to our team with your needs, and together, we will elevate your service to a whole new level!