payabl. launches Tap to Pay for smartphone payments

payabl. has launched a Tap to Pay solution that enables merchants to accept contactless payments directly on smartphones, reflecting the growing momentum behind software-based point-of-sale (SoftPOS) models across Europe.

The offering allows businesses to convert NFC-enabled Android devices into payment terminals, removing the need for dedicated card acceptance hardware. Targeted primarily at micro and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), the solution is designed to support mobile-first operations such as delivery services, pop-up retail, and event-based selling.

The launch positions payabl. within an increasingly competitive SoftPOS segment, where FinTech providers are seeking to lower barriers to entry for card acceptance. By eliminating upfront hardware costs and enabling rapid onboarding, such solutions are reshaping how smaller merchants access digital payments infrastructure.

The solution supports PIN entry, e-receipts, and multiple transaction types including refunds and tips, while integrating with payabl.’s broader payments platform to provide consolidated visibility over transactions, settlements, and payouts. This reflects a wider industry shift toward unified commerce models, where merchants increasingly expect a single view of customer and payment data across channels.

Early usage indicates potential operational impact for small retailers. Nafais, a fragrance store, deployed the solution within days and has since processed a majority of its transactions digitally, highlighting how low-friction onboarding can accelerate adoption among smaller businesses.

The timing of the launch aligns with broader changes in the European payments landscape. In the UK, the removal of the £100 contactless spending cap—allowing banks and card networks to set their own limits—is expected to further drive contactless usage. Already, the vast majority of low-value in-store card payments are conducted via contactless methods.

Consumer preferences are also reinforcing this shift. Research cited by payabl. indicates that contactless cards and mobile wallets, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, are becoming the dominant in-person payment methods across Europe, increasing demand for flexible acceptance solutions.

The rollout underscores how SoftPOS is emerging as a key battleground in merchant acquiring, particularly as FinTechs and payment providers compete to capture underserved SME segments. With iOS support expected later this year, payabl.’s expansion into Tap to Pay signals further convergence between mobile devices and payment acceptance, as hardware-based terminals become less central to the merchant payments stack.