Grab launches iPhone tap-to-pay feature

Merchants can accept contactless cards without POS hardware.

Grab has launched a tap-to-pay feature on iPhone that allows merchants to accept in-person contactless payments without using additional point-of-sale (POS) hardware, the company said in a press release.

The service supports contactless debit and credit cards, Apple Pay and other digital wallets, Grab said. Merchants can accept payments by holding a card or compatible device near the iPhone, using near-field communication technology built into the handset.

The feature removes the need for dedicated payment terminals, lowering hardware requirements for in-person transactions, Grab said. 

Payment information is encrypted and protected by the device’s secure element, according to the release. 

Grab said the feature will be available to merchants in selected Southeast Asian markets, subject to device compatibility and regulatory requirements. Merchants can activate the feature through the Grab Merchant App.