We have developed Tap to Pay, a feature that allows you to accept card payments directly from your phone, without needing an additional card reader.
You can activate the Tap to Pay service by contacting our customer service.
Once the request has been made, you will be contacted by our customer service to sign the Payment Processing Service Agreement via our provider Yousign. We invite you to monitor your email inbox.
Once the contract is signed, our agents will send you the contract you signed via email asking you to reply to the email confirming its correct receipt.
👉 To find out how to connect Tap to Pay to the Agenzia delle Entrate portal, read this article.
Who can use Tap to Pay?
Tap to Pay is now available for all plans for Owners and Admins.
Transaction fees depend on your pricing plan:
- EU Consumer Cards: 0.8% for all plans
- Business and non-EU Cards: 2.6% for all plans
Qonto's transaction fees are lower compared to competitors like SumUp, Zettle and Square.
Please note: the minimum fee charged for each transaction is €0.01. For transactions below €1.25, this represents a fee higher than 0.8%.
What do I need to use Tap to Pay?
- An Android smartphone with NFC capability\*
- Android version 12 updated to the latest security patch
- Must have an NFC reader
- An internet connection (offline payments are not supported)
💡 NFC\*, or Near Field Communication, is a technology that allows smartphones to accept contactless payments. By activating it, your phone functions as a payment terminal: the customer simply needs to bring their card or device (with Apple Pay or Google Pay) close to complete the payment.
Not all phones have the same NFC chip location, which can make card reading more difficult. Try moving the card slowly on the back of the phone to find the best reading area. Depending on the model, the NFC chip could be located at the top (near the camera) or in the center of the device. For the precise location, consult your phone's manual.
We recommend making a first transaction with your card to test Tap to Pay and locate your smartphone's NFC area. Currently, transactions are free. Take advantage of this opportunity to try it before charging your customers.
How do I activate Tap to Pay on Android?
You can activate Tap to Pay directly from your mobile app in just a few simple steps:
- Go to Menu → Business account → Tap to Pay
- Enable Tap to Pay by tapping “Continue”
- Sign the contract digitally via YouSign
- Tap to Pay is now activated 🎉
How does Tap to Pay work?
- Make sure NFC is enabled in your phone settings.
- Open the Qonto app and click on Tap to Pay.
- Enter the amount to charge and tap Charge.
- Ask the customer to bring their card close or use Apple Pay/Google Pay on your phone.
- For payments under €50, the transaction is processed directly.
- For amounts over €50, the customer will need to confirm using their PIN code.
- Once the payment is approved, you can send a receipt via SMS or email.
⛔️ Currently, Tap to Pay accepts Visa and Mastercard payments. American Express is not yet supported, but we are evaluating its integration based on user needs.
Please note that receipts must be sent immediately after payment, it will not be possible to send receipts for past payments.
You can view all your payments in real time in the Tap to Pay section, whether they are successful, pending or credited to your Qonto account.
For security reasons, the Qonto app requires a lock code. We recommend enabling biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition) for faster access to Tap to Pay and quicker transactions.
How can I resend, download, or print a receipt after a transaction?
You have access to receipts for transactions already carried out on your card reader and Tap to Pay. You can resend a receipt to your client by email or SMS, download it, or reprint it on the Pro terminal.
From 💻 web
- Go to Business Account > Payment terminals > Select the transaction > Click on the three dots next to receipt.pdf.
- You can then send the receipt by SMS or Email, or download it.
From 📱 mobile
- Go to Menu > Payment terminals > Select the transaction > Click on "receipt".
- You can then send the receipt by SMS or Email, or download it.
Are there transaction limits?
Yes, here they are:
- Minimum amount: €0.10
- Maximum amount: €100,000
Payments up to €50 are processed without entering a PIN code. For higher amounts paid with a physical card, the customer will need to enter their PIN directly on your smartphone to validate the transaction.
Are there restrictions on who can use Tap to Pay?
Yes. To comply with the legal, regulatory and risk requirements of our payment partner, some business activities are not eligible to use Tap to Pay.
Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:
- Sale of regulated or prohibited substances (e.g. tobacco, CBD, vaping products, medicines or alcohol without adequate licenses)
- Adult entertainment and services (e.g. massage centers, strip clubs, escort services, adult content sales)
- Unregulated or high-risk health and wellness services (e.g. cosmetic treatments without medical certification, IV therapy, unauthorized supplements)
- High cash-intensity activities or subject to stricter regulatory controls
- Gambling, betting or lottery-related activities (including fantasy sports or skill games with prizes)
- Crypto, forex and other high-risk financial services (e.g. cryptocurrency exchanges, forex trading, payday loans)
- Resale of mobile phones, electronics or counterfeit goods
If you can access the in-person payment menu in your Qonto app, your business is eligible. Otherwise, your business is likely subject to restrictions.
Need help? You can contact customer service and we will be happy to verify your eligibility.
What about refunds?
At this stage, refunds are not immediately available through the app. Here's how it works during the Alpha phase:
-
Initially: Refunds are not yet available directly in the application. During the Alpha phase, they can be handled manually by Qonto customer service. Please consider processing times and contact our support for any refund requests.
We recommend merchants plan an alternative refund method, such as cash. -
Subsequently: Refunds will be available through Qonto Customer Service. Please note that:
- Refunds will not be instant and will be processed only during Customer Service working hours.
- We still recommend having an alternative method for refunds during this period.
When will payments appear in my Qonto account?
Payments received with Tap to Pay are credited to your Qonto account the next business day, grouped into a single credit:
- 10 payments of €10 made on Monday will be credited as €100 on Tuesday.
- 10 payments of €10 made on Friday will be credited on Monday.
Each credit includes a detailed statement of payments and any associated fees. These transfers do not affect your incoming or outgoing transfer limit.
My Tap to Pay transaction was declined, what should I do?
When a transaction fails, there could be several factors at play. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you identify the source of the decline and advise your customer.
1. NFC reading verification (on your smartphone)
A. Card reading issues
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NFC not enabled on device
Your smartphone must have NFC enabled to read the card. Check your smartphone settings to make sure NFC is turned on: Settings → Connected devices → Connection preferences → Use NFC
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Improper card positioning
The card must be positioned precisely on the NFC reading area, which is usually located on the back of the phone, in the center or near the camera.
If you have a Samsung phone, visit this website to locate the NFC reading area; otherwise, consult your smartphone's user manual.
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Interference from protective case
A case that is too thick or contains metal or magnetic elements can interfere with the NFC signal. Try making a payment without the protective case.
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Reading timeout
Too fast a reading or insufficient card hold can cause a timeout. Ask your customer to hold the card for a few more seconds.
B. General issues
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Unsupported card
Only Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted. If possible, ask your customer to pay with a compatible card.
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Contactless payment disabled
The contactless payment feature may not be activated on the customer's card. Advise your customer to check their banking app or contact their bank to ensure contactless payments are enabled on their card.
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Issuer decline
The customer's bank may block the transaction (issuer decline) for various reasons, one of which could be insufficient balance. Suggest to your customer to check their balance and/or contact their bank for more information.