NFC wallets are mobile payment wallets on smartphones or wearables that use Near Field Communication (NFC) to make contactless payments by tapping the device on a compatible reader. Common examples include Apple Pay and Google Pay, which use tokenized card credentials to authorize transactions without exposing the real card number.
How NFC wallets work
NFC wallet payments generally follow this flow:
– A payment card is added to the wallet and converted into a token (tokenization)
– When the user taps the phone/watch, the wallet sends the token plus a dynamic cryptographic value
– A certified contactless reader processes the transaction through a payment service provider (PSP) and card networks
– The issuer approves or declines, and the result is returned to the terminal
NFC wallets in EV charging
In EV charging, NFC wallets can be used in two main ways:
– Terminal-based contactless payment: the charger has an integrated payment terminal and the user taps their phone
– App/web payment + NFC trigger: the user taps an NFC tag/reader to open a payment page or start a session, then pays in-app (this is not the same as true contactless card payment)
Benefits
– Fast checkout and low friction for ad-hoc users
– Strong security via tokenization and device authentication
– Reduces manual card entry and associated payment failures
– Helpful for public charging where users may not want to create an account
– Supports a familiar payment behavior (tap-to-pay)
Limitations and considerations
– Requires a compatible contactless payment terminal for true NFC wallet payments
– Regional support varies by PSP, country, and bank eligibility
– Terminals add hardware cost, certifications, and maintenance requirements
– Network connectivity is still needed to complete payment authorization in most cases
– Clear pricing display and receipt handling are important to avoid disputes
Implementation considerations for CPOs
– Confirm PSP support for Apple Pay / Google Pay and terminal certification requirements
– Define pre-authorization and capture rules (common in EV charging)
– Ensure session linking between payment authorization and charger start via CPMS
– Provide fallback access methods (RFID/app/QR) for reliability and inclusivity
– Monitor payment success rates and failed starts to protect customer experience
Related glossary terms
NFC reader
Contactless payment
Mobile wallet payments
Mobile wallet tokenization
Payment service provider (PSP)
Ad-hoc payment
Mobile app payments
QR code payment
CPMS
Pre-authorization