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” its 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 its 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.

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NFC & Other Wireless Technologies

Today there are many different wireless technologies that have replaced cable-based connections. Each are primarily differentiated by range, speed, power requirements, and security attributes. Using these factors, industries determine the applicability of each technology for hundreds of different use cases.

NFC Tech Graphic

NFC is most suitable for ultra-short range (<2cm or one inch), low-latency startup, connect and transfer where only one side of the connection needs power. And unique to NFC, connections can exchange data or power. For the technically savvy, NFC Forum specifications operate in the 13.56 MHz band of unlicensed spectrum. Power harvesting has a maximum of 1w.

NFC Tech Graphic

Digital keys provide the convenience and confidence we want when accessing our automobiles. The Car Connectivity Consortium, a global group of vehicle and consumer electronics companies developing an interoperable CCC Digital Key® technology, requires NFC Forum and other wireless technologies to provide a digital key solution that is secure and easy to use with all automobiles and smart devices.

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As a complementary wireless technology it can be implemented to work with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices. Read more about Wi-Fi Easy Connect. It is often found along side Ultrawideband (UWB) and provides easy connectivity by other initiatives like Matter for the internet of things. 

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Learn about the technical side of NFC.

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FAQ

What is NFC and how does it work?

NFC, or Near Field Communication, is a short-range wireless technology that enables secure communication between devices when they are within a few centimeters of each other. It operates at 13.56 MHz and is designed for simple, quick, and secure exchanges of data with a tap.

How is NFC used in everyday life?

NFC is commonly used in contactless payment systems, mobile wallets, transit cards, identity verification, smart posters, and pairing devices like speakers or headphones. It’s also used in healthcare, ticketing, and access control to streamline everyday tasks with a simple tap.

What are the main benefits of NFC technology?

The main benefits of NFC include its ease of use (just tap to connect), security (short range makes eavesdropping difficult), speed (fast data exchange), and versatility (used in payments, transportation, access control, and more). NFC also doesn’t require device pairing or manual setup.

How does NFC differ from other wireless technologies like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi?

Unlike Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, NFC operates over a much shorter range (typically less than 4 cm), doesn’t require manual pairing, and consumes less power. It’s ideal for quick, secure interactions like tapping to pay or unlocking a door, whereas Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are better for longer-range, high-bandwidth communication.