Access, Visa partner to turn merchants’ phones into payment gateway

By Joy Baba-Yesufu

Visa has partnered with Access Bank to launch “Tap to Phone” in Nigeria. This feature will enable business owners to process payments using their mobile phones, making transactions more convenient and efficient for both businesses and consumers.
The financial institutions noted that the feature will transform any Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled Android smartphone into a payment terminal, allowing the merchants to accept Visa payments by simply tapping a Visa card to their phone.
“This solution will not only provide merchants and consumers with a fast and convenient payment experience but also contribute to the financial inclusion and economic growth of the country,” said Andrew Uaboi, Vice President and Cluster Head of Visa West Africa.
The feature represents a step towards empowering small businesses and driving Nigeria towards a more digital and inclusive future. It is part of Visa’s global initiative to support small businesses recovering from the pandemic and looking towards growth. With over 40 million micro and small merchants in Nigeria, this service has the potential to significantly impact the economy by enabling more businesses to accept digital payments.
“At Access Bank, we are thrilled to introduce “Tap to Phone” as an innovative payment solution for our customers. This technology aligns perfectly with our commitment to driving digital transformation and enhancing payment convenience for businesses and consumers alike.
“By leveraging this cutting-edge solution, we are not only facilitating seamless transactions but also supporting our vision of fostering financial inclusion and growth in Nigeria,” stated Sola Afolabi, Group Head of Channel Services at Access Bank PLC.