Grab enables Tap to Pay on iPhone for contactless payments in Singapore

Grab has introduced Tap to Pay on iPhone for its merchant-partners in Singapore, allowing businesses to accept in-person contactless payments using only an iPhone and the Grab Merchant iOS app. The move removes the need for additional hardware such as dedicated payment terminals, positioning the feature as a simpler option for merchants that want to accept digital and card-based payments without investing in extra devices.

With Tap to Pay on iPhone, merchants can accept a wide range of contactless payment methods. These include contactless credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and other digital wallets supported by near-field communication technology. The payment process is designed to be straightforward. At checkout, the merchant prompts the customer to hold their contactless card or device near the merchant’s iPhone, after which the transaction is completed securely.

The rollout reflects Grab’s broader efforts to streamline operational tools for businesses on its platform. For many small and medium-sized merchants, managing multiple systems for ordering, payments, and reconciliation can be both complex and expensive. By consolidating payment acceptance into a device that many merchants already use, Grab aims to lower barriers to adopting cashless payments while improving day-to-day efficiency.

How Tap to Pay on iPhone works for merchants

Tap to Pay on iPhone uses the iPhone’s built-in NFC capabilities to process payments. Once enabled through the Grab Merchant iOS app, merchants can accept contactless payments without connecting external card readers or terminals. The feature is supported on iPhone XS models or later, provided the device is running the latest version of iOS.

Setup is positioned as a quick process. Merchants can unlock contactless payment acceptance within minutes through the Grab Merchant app, allowing them to start accepting payments almost immediately. This ease of setup is particularly relevant for new businesses or mobile merchants that operate pop-up stalls, temporary locations, or delivery-focused models where fixed hardware may not be practical.

Security and privacy are central to how the feature is positioned. Apple’s Tap to Pay on iPhone technology relies on the built-in security features of the iPhone to protect both merchant and customer data. According to Apple’s stated approach, card numbers and transaction information are not stored on the device or on Apple servers, helping to ensure that sensitive payment data remains protected throughout the transaction process.

From a customer perspective, the experience mirrors familiar contactless payment flows. Shoppers use their preferred card or digital wallet and complete the transaction by tapping their device near the merchant’s iPhone. This consistency helps reduce friction at the point of sale and supports faster checkouts, particularly in busy retail or food and beverage environments.

Reducing complexity and costs for businesses

Grab has framed the introduction of Tap to Pay on iPhone as part of its ongoing effort to make business operations easier for merchant-partners. Many merchants currently rely on a combination of point-of-sale systems, card readers, and mobile devices to manage payments. This can increase both upfront costs and ongoing maintenance requirements.

“Merchants today often juggle multiple systems and devices just to accept payments, which can be confusing — and for smaller businesses, even costly. By working with Apple, we’re offering a simpler and more cost-efficient way for merchants of all sizes to accept contactless payments using just the Grab Merchant app on their iPhone. This is part of our ongoing commitment to make day-to-day operations easier, so our merchant-partners can spend less time managing tools and more time growing their business,” said Julianne Heng, Regional Head of Payments at Grab.

The introduction of Tap to Pay on iPhone also aligns with broader trends in Singapore’s payments landscape, where contactless and cashless transactions have become increasingly common. Consumers are now accustomed to using cards and digital wallets for everyday purchases, from public transport to hawker centres. Enabling merchants to meet these expectations without additional hardware could help accelerate adoption, particularly among smaller operators.

Beyond payments, Grab continues to position its superapp as an integrated platform for commerce, mobility, and financial services across Southeast Asia. In Singapore, its ecosystem includes food and grocery delivery, ride-hailing, and digital financial services. The addition of Tap to Pay on iPhone strengthens its merchant offering by embedding payment acceptance directly into an existing operational tool.

As digital payments continue to evolve, solutions that balance ease of use, security, and cost efficiency are likely to play a growing role. For Grab’s merchant-partners in Singapore, Tap to Pay on iPhone represents a step towards simpler, more flexible payment acceptance that fits into an increasingly mobile and app-driven business environment.