The demand for quick and efficient payment methods in New Zealand has continued to grow as businesses adapt to the changing needs of customers.
Whether it's grabbing a coffee from a cart or picking up lunch on the go, there is always a need for convenient and fast payment options.
As businesses consider new technology to accept digital payments in more places and more quickly, they meet the convenience, speed and security that customers increasingly expect. By offering mobile payments in a wider range of locations, businesses can not only improve service but also stay competitive and attract new customers. As the digital age continues to evolve, it's more important than ever for businesses, especially in the hospitality industry, to consider how their payment methods will evolve in the future.
"Tap on Mobile makes it easier for businesses to connect directly with their customers in more locations, making payments faster, cheaper, and more convenient. Merchants no longer need to hire a terminal—all they need is their mobile phone," said Maxine Elliott, CEO of Worldline NZ.
She added that Worldline was committed to advancing New Zealand's digital landscape by providing payment solutions that are hassle-free, secure, and efficient.
“As the digital landscape evolves, we’re ensuring that every payment experience contributes to a more productive and connected economy. Our goal is to continuously evolve with the changing times, staying relevant, and providing a lasting impact for our customers and communities.”
Worldline’s Tap on Mobile is an innovative payment solution that allows businesses to accept secure, contactless payments via their mobile devices. With this service, merchants can turn their smartphones into payment terminals and accept a variety of payment options, including Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or any other digital wallet. This solution is not only cost-effective, eliminating the need for traditional terminals, but also straightforward and easy for merchants to set up.
Elliott highlighted the benefits this has for businesses.
“This solution has given merchants huge flexibility, making it ideal for businesses like food trucks, farmers’ markets, outdoor events, or anyone who needs to take payments on-site and remotely."
The ability to accept payments anywhere, without needing additional hardware, is a game-changer for businesses. Whether at a market, event, or job site, this service enables seamless transactions that enhance customer experience and streamline business operations.
Heading toward 2025 and beyond, payments and checkout technology are only going to get smarter. The rise of AI, digital identity solutions, and account-to-account open banking payments, will further simplify transactions, making them faster, less expensive, more secure, and easier for both businesses and customers.
Elliott also noted that open banking will continue to play a significant role in reshaping the payment landscape. More businesses are adopting this technology, and new payment options, such as Worldline’s Online EFTPOS, which allows for card-free, account-to-account payments, will soon be available on the Tap on Mobile solution.
With Online EFTPOS, customers can pay directly from their bank accounts, offering a faster, cheaper, and more secure way to complete transactions without the need for physical cards—and less likely to be surcharged as businesses have certainty of costs.
In 2024, Retail NZ and Hospitality New Zealand said retail payments were still a contentious area for businesses. Both organisations joined forces to seek changes in the system, to make it easier for businesses to understand and enable them to provide better customer experiences.
“This is a very complex area for both hospitality and retail businesses to navigate. We believe there is an opportunity for consumers to keep more money in their pockets if the system is improved and surcharges are reduced or removed,” said Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Steve Armitage.
Hospitality New Zealand and Retail NZ both said there was an opportunity to reduce the complexity associated with digital payments and provide clarity around each participant's role. This includes clarity over the costs associated with payment acceptance.
“Achieving this clarity requires joint action from Retail NZ and Hospitality New Zealand, businesses, banks, payment service providers, the Commerce Commission and other government agencies.”
Read more in the March issue of Restaurant & Cafe Magazine.
