What Exactly Is SoftPOS?
SoftPOS, short for Software Point of Sale and sometimes called Tap on Phone or Tap to Pay, is transforming how payments are accepted. With a simple download of a certified application, any NFC-enabled smartphone or tablet becomes a professional payment terminal. Merchants can take contactless card payments as well as mobile wallet transactions such as Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay, all in a secure and compliant environment.
The Capabilities of SoftPOS
This solution is not limited to small amounts. Merchants can process both low and high-value transactions, and when required, the app automatically requests secure customer authentication, such as a PIN. The same system supports card payments and mobile wallets, offering flexibility without the need for extra hardware. In effect, SoftPOS bridges the gap between mobility and full payment capability.
How Does SoftPOS Actually Work?
The principle is simple. Merchants install a certified app on a compatible Android device, which then functions as a payment terminal. At checkout, they enter the transaction amount directly on the screen, and customers hold their card or mobile wallet to the back of the device, where the NFC antenna is located. Smaller purchases are validated instantly, while higher-value ones require PIN entry on the same screen. Once authorised, the funds are credited to the merchant’s business account following standard banking timelines. To complete the process, a digital receipt can be sent via SMS or email, keeping the entire journey paperless and seamless.
Why SoftPOS Is Transforming Modern Payments
Meeting the Surge in Contactless
The growth of contactless has been extraordinary. In the UK, more than 91% of all card transactions are now contactless according to UK Finance, and this behaviour shows no sign of slowing down. Consumers increasingly expect speed, convenience and ease every time they pay, whether in store, on the move, or at an event. SoftPOS has emerged as the natural response to this demand.
A Technology That Matches New Habits
This is more than an alternative to existing payment devices. SoftPOS represents a new philosophy in commerce: being ready to take payments wherever the customer is. From physical shops to mobile services and temporary retail spaces, it adapts effortlessly to modern buying behaviours.
The Real Benefits for Merchants with SoftPOS
Substantial Savings
SoftPOS removes the cost burden of renting or maintaining traditional terminals. There are no recurring monthly fees or hardware updates to manage, making it particularly appealing for small and growing businesses. The return on investment is immediate, since merchants can start accepting payments with nothing more than their existing smartphone.
Flexibility in Every Situation
Because it runs on a mobile device, SoftPOS fits naturally into a wide range of use cases. Retailers can use it on the shop floor to reduce queues, couriers and service providers can take payments directly at a customer’s home, and pop-up shops or festival vendors can rely on it for temporary trading. This flexibility enhances the customer journey and helps merchants deliver service exactly where it is needed.
Simple to Set Up and Run
The system is as easy to deploy as any other mobile app. Installation and configuration take just minutes, training requirements are minimal, and integration with existing checkout and reporting systems is straightforward. Merchants gain a powerful new tool without the complexity usually associated with payment infrastructure.
Security Backed by International Standards
Certifications and Compliance
SoftPOS solutions meet the most demanding international benchmarks. They are certified under PCI CPoC, PCI DSS and EMVCo, ensuring encryption and interoperability, and comply with European PSD2 rules for strong authentication on higher-value payments. In France, additional certification by the GIE CB further validates compliance for card transactions.
Advanced Protection Technologies
Every transaction benefits from end-to-end encryption, card data tokenisation and built-in device authentication, including biometric checks. These measures place SoftPOS on the same level of security as established e-commerce payment platforms, providing peace of mind for both merchants and customers.
SoftPOS: A Market in Rapid Expansion
Global Growth
Adoption of SoftPOS is accelerating worldwide. Juniper Research projects 34 million active devices by 2028, compared to just six million in 2023, representing a fivefold increase in only five years.
Leading Markets and Early Adopters
The UK is among the pioneers, alongside Eastern Europe and Australia. These regions are embracing SoftPOS not only as a cost-effective alternative to traditional hardware but as a cornerstone of mobile-first commerce.
Real-World Applicationsof SoftPOS
Mobile Commerce Reinvented
SoftPOS is particularly effective for sectors that rely on mobility. Taxi drivers can take payments instantly on board, couriers can complete transactions at the door, and tradespeople can invoice and collect payment directly at the worksite. Even personal services such as home care or tutoring benefit from professional-grade transactions anywhere.
Optimising Physical Retail
Within stores, SoftPOS helps sales teams assist customers on the floor, take payments immediately, and cut waiting times. At temporary events or seasonal markets, it provides quick deployment of mobile checkout points, creating smoother flows and greater customer satisfaction.
Your Next Step Towards Innovation
SoftPOS is no longer a future trend, it is already here. By transforming smartphones into secure payment terminals, it democratises access to professional-grade payment tools for businesses of all sizes. Whether you are a local shop, a growing retailer, or a large brand, SoftPOS allows you to deliver the seamless, modern payment experience your customers now expect.
This innovation sits alongside other next-generation solutions reshaping payments, from Buy Now Pay Later to Smart Display. Together, these tools enable merchants to adapt, optimise and thrive in a fast-changing market.
Ready to explore SoftPOS for your business? Contact our experts to find out how Monext can help you integrate this solution and create payment experiences that drive growth.
