NatWest is set to launch Tap to Pay on Android, a new way for businesses to take payments on their mobile phone, via the NatWest Tap to Pay app. Through their payments service, Tyl by NatWest, customers can now turn compatible Android devices into contactless mobile card readers and accept in-person contactless payments on their own Android phones.

This new soft point-of-sale solution from NatWest will offer customers the flexibility to accept payments without the need for physical hardware. Evolving customer preferences and increasing costs for businesses across the board have led to the need lower cost solutions, and NatWest’s Tap to Pay on Android solution enables businesses to offer quick and seamless payments from a device they already own. Following a quick and easy set-up process, businesses can present customers with a payment screen on their Android phone and accept a form of contactless payment securely, including credit and debit cards, as well as other digital wallets.

While there’s still a place for physical card terminals, Tap to Pay on Android provides an alternative, proving to be particularly pertinent to businesses that don’t require a fixed solution, or who are infrequent sellers and may want a product that fits a seasonal schedule. It also benefits larger businesses that want a cost-effective way to enable a larger workforce to take payments without needing a large pool of payment terminals. With fast integrations and no additional hardware required, NatWest Tap to Pay on Android makes it even easier for businesses to enable in-person contactless payments with minimal cost and effort, giving businesses another way to capture revenue.

As part of an initial rollout phase, Tap to Pay on Android will be available for a small cohort of Tyl by NatWest merchants, before a full launch later this year. This will equip NatWest with useful insights from customers on their experience using the new product, to ensure the full rollout provides a seamless experience for their loyal business customer base and their own end customers.

Mike Elliff, CEO of Tyl by NatWest, says: “NatWest Tap to Pay on Android is an exciting innovation that will give our customers more flexibility to accept in-person payments anywhere. We understand that business owners are always looking for ways to streamline their operations, boost sales and connect with their customers regardless of location, all while benefiting from tech to make their own sales experience seamless. This new product enables us to meet their needs and put contactless payments into the pockets of countless businesses, optimising the payment experience for all.”