Tap to Pay on iPhone
Tap to Pay on iPhone for Stripe
Turn your iPhone into a payment terminal. Customers tap, you get paid. That's it.Before you start
What you need
- Device
- iPhone XS or later
- Operating System
- iOS 18+
- App Version
- Payment v12.0+
Payment methods
What you can accept
- Contactless Cards
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Digital Wallets
Get started
How to enable Tap to Pay on iPhone
- 1Download Payment for StripeGet the free app from the App Store. No subscription required.
- 2Connect your Stripe accountSign in with your existing Stripe account using secure OAuth. Takes under 30 seconds.
- 3Enable Tap to PayOpen the menu (profile icon, top left) and tap "Enable Tap to Pay on iPhone".
- 4Accept your first paymentTap "Try It", enter an amount, tap Next, and have your customer tap their card or phone.
See it in action
Watch how it works
Card reader for iPhone
Pair a Stripe Reader M2 with your iPhone
Tap to Pay takes contactless cards and phone wallets. The M2 adds chip and swipe, and keeps taking cards when you lose signal. It pairs over Bluetooth with the same app, so your products and receipts stay the same.- Card support
- Chip, swipe and tap
- Payment support
- Offline
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth
- Price
- $59
FAQ
Common questions
Do I need a card reader for my iPhone?
No. An iPhone XS or later running iOS 18 accepts contactless cards and digital wallets on its own through Tap to Pay. You only need a Stripe Terminal reader if you also take chip-insert or magstripe cards.
Does Stripe accept Apple Pay?
Yes. Tap to Pay on iPhone accepts Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and any other NFC wallet, alongside contactless Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. The customer holds their phone or watch near the top of yours, the same as a contactless card.
Which iPhones support Tap to Pay?
Tap to Pay on iPhone works on iPhone XS and later. That covers the iPhone XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 series, and newer models. The Payment app requires iOS 18 or later.
Can I use my iPad?
No, Tap to Pay is only available on iPhone. iPad does not have the required NFC capabilities for accepting payments. You'll need an iPhone XS or later to use this feature.
What cards are accepted?
Tap to Pay accepts all contactless-enabled Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. It also accepts Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and other NFC-enabled digital wallets.
Do I need an internet connection?
Yes, Tap to Pay requires an active internet connection (WiFi or cellular data) to process payments. Unlike Bluetooth card readers, it cannot store transactions offline.
What are Stripe Tap to Pay fees?
In the US, Stripe charges 2.7% + 5¢ per in-person transaction, plus 10¢ per Tap to Pay authorization. Payment for Stripe adds 1.2% per sale (15¢ minimum), with no monthly fees.
Is there a free tap to pay app?
Yes. Payment for Stripe is free to download on iOS and Android, with no monthly fees, no contracts, and no monthly minimums. You pay 1.2% per sale (15¢ minimum) plus Stripe's processing fees, only when you get paid.
Can I accept tap to pay without NFC?
No. Tap to Pay reads contactless cards through your phone's NFC chip. On a phone without NFC, type the card in with manual entry or pair a Bluetooth reader like the Stripe Reader M2.
Works with your Stripe account