What NFC does

NFC (Near Field Communication) is the technology behind “tap to pay” contactless payment.

Its design conforms to an international standard that features very close proximity (>2cm or one inch) and in most cases does not require a battery “harvesting” it’s power from the connecting device. The NFC Forum is the governing body of the standard and a compliance program that ensures the reliability and interoperability of connections.

Where you'll find NFC

The core attributes of NFC makes it suitable for an ever increasing variety of use cases. And it’s ultra-low cost makes it possible for the technology to be built into most anything.

NFC Products

While you most often use NFC with your mobile phone, more and more form factors include NFC technology like:

Smart Watches

Tablets and their accessories

Affixed to syringes and prescription bottles

Jewelry, such as rings

Wireless Earbuds

Affordable “tags” made into apparel

NFC is also compatible with hundreds of millions of contactless cards and readers already deployed worldwide which means all you have to do is tap.

Become a Member

When it comes to the future you can either help define it, or wait for it to pass you by. By becoming a Member of the NFC Forum, you gain access to the relevant conversations that impact your business and product plans. Our entry-level Membership Class is at no cost.

Join TODAY

Making  a Tap Even Easier

Introducing  a new global identifier to increase interoperability and improve the user experience of NFC connected applications and use cases. The Wayfinding Mark System shows consumers an item includes NFC, and more importantly guides the consumer where to tap.

License our marks

Learn about the technical side of NFC.

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