Mobile Payments and POS: How to Accept Payments via Phones and Tablet

The retail and service industries are undergoing a profound transformation. Among the most significant changes is the rise of mobile payments, driven by consumer demand for faster, contactless, and more flexible payment options. At the same time, Point of Sale (POS) systems have evolved to accommodate this shift, enabling businesses to accept payments directly through smartphones, tablets, and mobile wallets.

Today, businesses that adopt mobile-friendly POS solutions are better positioned to improve customer experience, streamline operations, and compete in an increasingly digital economy. This article explores how mobile payments work in POS systems, how businesses can accept them via phones and tablets, the benefits, challenges, and future trends shaping this space.

Introduction: The Rise of Mobile Payments

Mobile payments have grown exponentially over the past decade. According to industry research, billions of transactions worldwide are now processed through mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Contactless payment adoption accelerated during the pandemic, as consumers and retailers sought hygienic, touch-free alternatives to cash and cards.

For businesses, mobile payments are no longer a niche feature—they are a core customer expectation. A retailer or restaurant that doesn’t accept mobile payments risks losing customers to competitors who offer the convenience.

 To understand the broader impact of mobile POS systems, see Mobile POS Systems: What You Need to Know.

How Mobile Payments Work in POS Systems

Mobile payments rely on a combination of hardware, software, and secure communication protocols within modern POS systems. The main technologies powering these transactions include:

Near Field Communication (NFC)

NFC allows a phone or tablet to communicate wirelessly with a POS terminal. Customers can tap their device on an NFC-enabled reader to complete a transaction.
 Learn more: The Impact of NFC Technology on POS.

QR Code Payments

Instead of tapping, customers scan a QR code with their smartphone to authorize and complete payments. This method is especially popular in markets where NFC adoption is slower.

Mobile Wallet Integrations

Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay link a customer’s bank card to their smartphone, offering secure and fast transactions. POS systems recognize these wallets as valid payment methods.

Cloud-Connected POS Systems

Cloud-based POS software ensures that mobile payments are recorded in real-time, updating sales, inventory, and accounting across all devices and locations.
 Related: Benefits of Cloud POS Systems.

Accepting Payments via Phones and Tablets

Businesses don’t need bulky terminals to accept payments anymore. With the right tools, smartphones and tablets become fully functional POS systems.

Mobile POS Apps

POS vendors offer mobile apps that transform a phone or tablet into a checkout device. These apps handle transactions, update inventory, and integrate with customer relationship management systems.

Mobile Card Readers

Small, portable card readers connect to smartphones or tablets via Bluetooth or headphone jack, enabling chip, swipe, and contactless card acceptance.
 See: Best POS Card Readers for Secure Payments.

Tablet-Based Checkout Systems

Tablets running POS apps can be mounted at checkout counters or used by staff on the sales floor. This hybrid model balances mobility with the familiarity of traditional checkout.

Contactless-Only Solutions

Some retailers adopt tap-to-pay systems, accepting payments entirely through NFC-enabled devices and wallets, eliminating the need for physical cards altogether.

 For an example of how retailers implement mobility, see The Importance of User-Friendly POS.

Benefits of Mobile Payments in POS Systems

Adopting mobile payments offers multiple advantages for both businesses and customers.

Faster Checkout and Reduced Lines

Mobile-enabled POS allows staff to check out customers anywhere in-store, avoiding long lines at fixed counters.

Enhanced Customer Experience

Mobile payments are quick, convenient, and secure, which directly improves customer satisfaction.
 Learn more: How POS Systems Improve Customer Experience.

Contactless Convenience

Mobile wallets eliminate the need for customers to carry cash or even cards, offering a safe, touch-free experience.

Business Flexibility

From curbside pickup to pop-up shops and outdoor markets, mobile POS apps allow businesses to take payments wherever customers are.

Data-Driven Insights

Mobile POS systems track payment data, inventory updates, and customer preferences in real-time, empowering better business decisions.

Security and Compliance in Mobile Payments

Security is a key concern in mobile transactions, but modern POS systems integrate multiple layers of protection:

• Tokenization: Replaces sensitive card details with unique tokens, ensuring stolen data cannot be reused.

• End-to-End Encryption: Protects customer data throughout the payment process.

• PCI DSS Compliance: Ensures the business follows industry standards for cardholder data protection.

• AI-Powered Fraud Prevention: Identifies unusual patterns and flags suspicious activity.
   Read: POS System Security.

These measures make mobile payments as secure—or even more secure—than traditional card transactions.

Industries Leading Mobile Payment Adoption

Several industries have been at the forefront of mobile payment adoption:

• Retail: Clothing stores, grocery shops, and electronics retailers offer quick mobile checkouts.

• Hospitality: Restaurants use tablets for tableside ordering and payment.

• Pop-Up & Event Businesses: Mobile POS apps make payments possible in temporary settings.

• Field Services: Delivery and service staff can process payments at customer locations.

Challenges of Accepting Mobile Payments

Despite their benefits, businesses face some challenges when implementing mobile payments:

• Hardware Upgrades: Not all POS systems are equipped with NFC or mobile wallet support.

• Wallet Compatibility: Ensuring acceptance across Apple Pay, Google Pay, and regional wallets can be complex.

• Customer Education: Some consumers still hesitate to adopt mobile payments, requiring awareness campaigns.

• Transaction Fees: Processing costs for mobile payments may vary by provider.

The Future of Mobile Payments in POS

Mobile payments will continue to evolve, reshaping how businesses and customers interact at checkout.

Biometric Authentication

Payments authenticated by fingerprint or facial recognition will further enhance security and convenience.

AI-Powered Personalization

POS systems will use AI to analyze mobile payment data, generating personalized offers and recommendations.
 Learn more: AI in POS – Celerant.

Omnichannel Integration

Customers will expect seamless payment options across physical stores, e-commerce platforms, and mobile apps.
 Related: POS Software Integrations.

Enterprise-Scale Deployment

Larger retailers will turn to enterprise POS solutions that integrate mobile payments with loyalty programs, inventory management, and AI-driven analytics.
 Explore: Celerant Stratus Enterprise.

Choosing the Right POS System for Mobile Payments

When evaluating POS systems for mobile payments, businesses should consider:

• NFC and wallet compatibility (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay).

• Mobile app support for iOS and Android.

• Hardware options like portable card readers and tablets.

• Cloud-based syncing for real-time data updates.

• Security features (tokenization, encryption, AI fraud detection).

• Ease of use for staff and customers.  User-Friendly POS.

• Scalability for multi-store and enterprise operations.  Celerant Stratus Enterprise.

Conclusion

Mobile payments have transformed POS systems from fixed checkout points into flexible, customer-focused platforms. By enabling transactions through phones and tablets, businesses can offer faster, more convenient, and more secure payment experiences.

From retail stores and restaurants to field services and pop-up shops, the ability to accept mobile payments is no longer optional—it is essential. Businesses that adopt mobile-ready POS systems today will be well-positioned to thrive in the future of retail, where AI, biometrics, and omnichannel integration will define the next phase of payment innovation.