Over the past few years, the way we pay for goods and services has evolved faster than ever before. We’ve gone from cash and cheques to chip-and-pin, and now contactless payments dominate our daily lives. But as the demand for seamless, secure, and scalable payment solutions grows—especially among small businesses—SoftPOS has stepped into the spotlight.

From bustling high streets in London to mobile vendors in Manchester, SoftPOS UK adoption is on the rise. This groundbreaking technology turns a standard smartphone or tablet into a fully functional payment terminal—no extra hardware required. But what exactly is SoftPOS? How does it work? And why are so many UK businesses, from independents to enterprise retailers, jumping on board?

Let’s break it all down in this comprehensive guide to SoftPOS and tap-to-pay technology.

What is SoftPOS?

SoftPOS stands for Software Point of Sale. Unlike traditional card machines that require physical hardware to process payments, SoftPOS is an app-based solution that enables merchants to accept contactless card payments directly on a smartphone or tablet—using just the device’s built-in NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality.

There’s no dongle, no reader, no cabling—just a simple app download, identity verification, and you're good to go.

In essence, your phone becomes the card terminal.

How Does SoftPOS Work?

SoftPOS applications use NFC technology to detect contactless cards, mobile wallets (like Apple Pay or Google Pay), and wearable devices. The process is nearly identical to using a regular contactless card machine:

1. Customer taps their card or device on the merchant’s phone.

2. The payment data is read via the phone’s NFC chip.

3. The SoftPOS app securely processes the transaction using end-to-end encryption.

4. The payment is authorised, and the receipt can be sent digitally.

And yes—it’s fully PCI-DSS compliant, so both customers and businesses can use it with confidence.

Why Is SoftPOS Gaining Popularity in the UK?

The UK is no stranger to digital innovation in finance. With the near-universal use of contactless payments and growing consumer preference for cashless experiences, SoftPOS is a natural evolution.

Here’s why UK businesses are loving it:

1. Cost-Efficiency

No need to buy or rent card machines. No hardware maintenance. For sole traders and SMEs, especially those just starting out, SoftPOS dramatically reduces the upfront and ongoing costs of accepting card payments.

2. Portability and Flexibility

Whether you're a mobile coffee vendor in Camden, a taxi driver in Liverpool, or a yoga instructor in Brighton—your business moves, and your payment terminal should too. SoftPOS allows you to accept payments anywhere, anytime.

3. Quick Onboarding

Signing up for SoftPOS usually takes minutes. You download the app, submit a few documents for verification, and can begin accepting payments the same day.

4. Scalability

For larger enterprises, SoftPOS allows a business to scale payment acceptance across many devices without the cost or complexity of deploying hardware terminals.

5. Eco-Friendly

Less hardware equals less waste. Many businesses are also choosing SoftPOS as part of a move towards more sustainable operations.

SoftPOS in Action: Real-Life UK Examples

? Independent Retailers

Pop-up shops and markets are embracing SoftPOS. Instead of lugging around expensive kit or dealing with cash, retailers are taking tap-to-pay payments straight from their mobile.

? Taxi & Delivery Drivers

With SoftPOS, drivers can accept payments on the go without needing a bulky card reader installed. It’s quick, secure, and saves on transaction hardware costs.

?‍♀️ Freelancers & Mobile Service Providers

From personal trainers to mobile beauticians, SoftPOS empowers solo professionals to offer card payments wherever they operate, helping reduce friction and increase bookings.

The Technology Behind SoftPOS

For the curious techies, here’s what’s happening under the hood:

• NFC-Enabled Device: Required to read tap-to-pay signals.

• CPoC Standard: Stands for Contactless Payments on Commercial off-the-shelf devices, ensuring that the software meets security guidelines.

• Tokenisation & Encryption: Protects cardholder data during transactions.

• PIN on Glass: For transactions over £100, customers can input their PIN directly onto the phone’s screen.

SoftPOS providers typically integrate with payment gateways and merchant acquiring banks, allowing seamless movement of funds to the business’s bank account.

Is SoftPOS Secure?

Absolutely. In fact, it’s regulated to the same high standards as traditional POS systems.

Security features include:

• PCI DSS and CPoC compliance

• Tokenisation, which replaces card details with a digital token

• Real-time fraud detection tools

• No card data storage on the merchant’s device

PIN entry for higher-value transactions is encrypted and can be securely entered on-screen via a virtual PIN pad.

SoftPOS vs Traditional POS Terminals

Who Can Benefit Most from SoftPOS?

While virtually any business can adopt SoftPOS, it’s particularly ideal for:

• Startups and side hustles looking to minimise initial costs

• Gig economy workers and freelancers needing quick, mobile solutions

• Event vendors and pop-up traders

• Delivery personnel offering pay-on-arrival options

• Field sales teams and tradespeople like electricians or cleaners

Even larger enterprises are integrating SoftPOS for queue-busting and staff mobility in busy retail environments.

SoftPOS Providers in the UK

Several providers are now offering SoftPOS technology to UK merchants. These include:

• Revolut Pro

• Zettle by PayPal (coming soon)

• SumUp Tap

• MyPOS Glass

• Adyen Tap-to-Pay

Most of these solutions are compatible with Android NFC devices, with iOS support expanding via Apple’s Tap to Pay on iPhone API.

What to Consider When Choosing a SoftPOS Provider

Before jumping in, ask:

• Does it support your device OS (Android or iOS)?

• What are the transaction fees?

• Are there monthly service charges or contracts?

• Is PIN on Glass supported?

• Can it integrate with your existing POS system or accounting software?

• What support is offered (customer service, onboarding help, etc.)?

Doing your research ensures you find a solution that fits your business model and budget.

What’s Next for SoftPOS in the UK?

The future is bright. As smartphone penetration remains high and businesses increasingly seek contactless-first payment options, SoftPOS is likely to become the default solution for many UK merchants.

We’re also seeing:

• Broader iPhone compatibility

• Deeper integration with loyalty apps and CRMs

• Use in self-service kiosks and unattended retail

• AI-based fraud monitoring tied into SoftPOS platforms

With regulators and fintechs working hand in hand, SoftPOS is here to stay—and it’s making payments faster, more flexible, and more inclusive than ever before.

Final Thoughts: A Tap into the Future

In a world that demands speed, safety, and simplicity, SoftPOS is reshaping how UK businesses handle payments. It’s not just a tech trend—it’s a practical, game-changing tool that’s democratising card acceptance.

From micro-businesses looking to streamline operations to larger retailers hoping to scale without the hardware headaches, SoftPOS offers an elegant, cost-effective solution. All it takes is a tap—and your business is ready for the future of payments.