Apple Pay — Improved Checkout with Mobile Payments

With more emphasis now more than ever on fraud protection and simplified checkout process, the future of payments is moving away from plastic credit card swipes.

Instead, it’s moving towards the faster and more secure processing of mobile payments. Apple Pay is the runaway leader in mobile payments, processing three out of every four contactless payments in the United States. It is more secure than traditional swipe and allows for faster checkout, two things sure to keep your customers happy.

And since Apple Pay usage grew fivefold in the past year, it’s only getting more popular, so we’d like to dive a little deeper into what exactly Apple Pay is, how it works, and how it will help simplify and secure your checkout process.

Apple Pay and Security

Apple Pay is a form of mobile payment that allows customers to make payments using a compatible iOS device, including iPhones and Apple Watches. It is easy for customers to set up in a few easy steps and is simple to use. Every transaction uses a fingerprint sensor built into the device to verify card user identity — protecting customers from unauthorized purchases. This feature is just one of a number of security benefits that mobile payments offer. The technology also uses tokenization for added data security. A unique, device-specific number and transaction code, known as a token is used for purchases. The token is used to reference the transaction so that credit card numbers are not stored on the device. So, if your iOS device is lost or stolen, your private information will not be seen. Also, if there is a breach of credit card data at a business you have visited, your credit card number will not be visible in the transaction data. Leveraging mobile payments and Apple Pay also provides major benefits to your business. In addition to having an added payment option for quick checkout.

Fast Checkout

Mobile payments and Apple Pay also allow both you and your customers to avoid long lines. Since the time it takes to process a mobile payments transaction is only a fraction of a traditional swipe, they provide a speedy checkout option for your customers. With Apple Pay, there is no need to dig around to find a wallet or the correct card. Two taps to the home button on the iOS device will load the cards that have been inputted. Select the card and rest your finger on the Touch ID to complete payment, for a fast and simplified checkout process. It not only allows for shorter checkout times for your customers but allows you to process more transactions at a faster rate. Faster transactions mean more transactions which equate to added revenue. Cha-ching!

ShopKeep and Apple Pay

ShopKeep makes it easy to accept Apple Pay in your store. All you have to do is use ShopKeep Payments (or another compatible processor) and make sure you have one of our Apple Pay-compatible credit card readers, the iPP320 or the iCMP. Once you’re ready with your processor and your reader, you can accept Apple Pay — as an alternative to swiping a credit card — with no additional setup. When ringing up a transaction, select Credit and then on the Swipe or Tap Card screen, ask the customer to hold their device within one inch of the card reader. Apple Pay will do its magic and you’ll be moved on to the tip and/or receipt screen to complete the transaction. It’s that easy!

Apple Pay at your Store

Let your customers know that Apple Pay is an available option for them. Display the symbol for Apple Pay prominently near your ShopKeep register to let customers know they can use it in your store. Add decals and also download the symbol to insert into emails and add to your website.

Now that you know the ins and outs of Apple Pay, set up this mobile payment option and encourage your customers to use this fast and secure payment method. Since mobile payments are a win-win for both customers and merchants alike, put Apple Pay adoption at the top of your to-do list.