QR payments
QR Payments vs Phone-to-Phone Tap: What’s the Difference?
QR payments use a camera to read a payment code. Phone-to-phone Tap uses supported devices brought close together to begin the payment process.
For GoTap, the practical difference is device availability: QR payments use the GoTap scanner, while Tap requires supported Android devices and NFC availability. In either case, the sender must review and authorise the payment.
GoTap’s phone-to-phone Tap is different from tapping an ordinary bank card on a POS terminal.
How a QR payment works
The recipient displays a payment QR code. The sender scans it using a compatible payment app, checks the payment details and authorises.
For a GoTap QR payment, both people need GoTap. The business can display its code on a phone or a printed sign.
QR scanning does not require NFC. It does require a readable code, camera access and the other requirements of the payment service.
A banking app may support some payment QR codes without supporting every code a merchant displays.
How GoTap phone-to-phone Tap works
GoTap Tap lets supported Android devices begin a payment through phone-to-phone contactless interaction.
Check that Tap is available in your GoTap app and follow the on-screen instructions. Android alone does not guarantee compatibility; the device and NFC requirements matter.
The sender still needs to review the recipient, amount and any fee shown before authorising. Bringing the phones together does not by itself confirm that money has moved.
GoTap Tap is currently unavailable on iPhone. Check the current Tap payments guide before relying on a particular device.
Compare the practical requirements
Scroll sideways to compare the options.
| Question | GoTap QR | GoTap phone-to-phone Tap |
|---|---|---|
| How does it begin? | Scan a payment QR code in GoTap | Follow the Tap instructions with supported devices |
| Does it need NFC? | No | Requires NFC availability and supported Android devices |
| Can the merchant use a printed sign? | Yes, to display the QR code | The interaction requires supported phones |
| Do both people need GoTap? | Yes | Yes |
| Does it work offline? | Requires an internet connection | Requires an internet connection |
| Must the sender review and authorise? | Yes | Yes |
Neither method should be treated as universally faster or cheaper. The practical result depends on device support, the setting, connection quality and the payment details shown.
When QR is a useful choice
QR can suit a counter or stall where a business wants a visible payment sign.
Customers can scan the displayed code without the merchant bringing their phone close for each payment. The merchant still needs to check incoming payments in their account.
QR is also a useful option when Tap is unavailable on a customer’s device.
Read the GoTap QR payments guide for setup and payment requirements.
When phone-to-phone Tap is a useful choice
Tap can be useful when both people have supported devices and are together.
Check availability before making it your only payment option. If you are choosing a new phone for business, verify support for the particular device rather than assuming every Android phone will work.
Follow the instructions in the app and wait for the payment result.
Switching methods needs one extra check
If Tap is unavailable before a payment has been authorised, you can agree to use QR or another supported method.
If the sender has already authorised a payment and the result is unclear, check that original transaction before starting another one. Switching methods without checking could lead to duplicate payment.
Whichever method you choose, the final checks stay the same: the intended recipient, the agreed amount, the sender’s authorisation and a confirmed transaction record.