Apple is helping small businesses in Europe accept payments more easily. According to the company, its Tap to Pay on iPhone system is now accessible in eight more countries. Today, this tool becomes available to users in Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg, and Malta. Tap to Pay allows business owners to take payments right from their phones, meaning a different card reader is not required.
How Tap to Pay Works
Tap to Pay on iPhone lets customers pay by holding their iPhone or contactless card near the seller’s iPhone. The feature uses technology that lets devices talk when they are close. Now, food trucks and local shops can accept payments in various locations without needing extra equipment. Apple introduced Tap to Pay only in the US in 2022. After that, this new religion has appeared in the UK, France, Japan, and elsewhere.
Local Payment Methods Supported
Apple arranged for Tap to Pay to be compatible with the payment choices that are popular in the countries where Apple Pay is supported. As a result, most people in Belgium depend on Bancontact cards. Axepta and Viva are working together with Apple to support this. Lots of Danes choose Dankort cards which join forces with Nexi and Surfboard Payments. The feature also works with big global cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
Why This Matters for Small Businesses
Small businesses often struggle with the cost of card readers. Tap to Pay on iPhone removes that problem. A flower shop owner in Malta can now take payments using just their phone. A street vendor in Greece can accept cards without carrying extra gear. This saves money and makes daily work simpler.
Apple’s Partners Make It Possible
Apple teamed up with 17 payment companies worldwide to bring Tap to Pay to these countries. Big names like Stripe and Adyen are part of this. These partnerships help the feature fit smoothly into local banking systems. For example, a coffee shop in Croatia can use their usual payment app with Tap to Pay.
Keeping Payments Safe
Apple says security is a top priority. When someone pays with Tap to Pay, the information is locked with special codes. Apple does not store card numbers on the phone. Sellers can also turn on Face ID or a passcode for extra safety.
What Businesses Are Saying
While Apple has not shared specific stories from the new countries, past users praise the feature. In the US, small businesses say it saves time and money. A bakery owner in France mentioned it helped during busy hours. Similar benefits are expected in the new markets.
The Future of Tap to Pay
Apple plans to bring Tap to Pay to more countries. The company is working with governments and banks to meet local rules. As more people use phones to pay, tools like this could change how small businesses operate. For now, eight more European countries have a simpler way to grow.