Tap into the future: How BDO's NFC-ready POS terminals are helping merchants move faster, serve better, and welcome the next wave of cashless payments

Convenience has always been good business. Today, it has become non-negotiable.

As consumers grow accustomed to tapping cards, phones, and even wearables to pay, merchants are feeling both the pressure—and the opportunity—to make every transaction faster and smoother.

Responding to this shift, BDO has rolled out point-of-sale terminals that are now fully capable of accepting NFC (near-field communication) payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, alongside a wide range of cards and digital wallets.

For Rogel Raya, senior vice president and head of merchant partnerships at BDO, the move reflects what merchants themselves have been asking for.

“Merchants have been looking for ways to make transactions more convenient for their customers,” Raya says. “And we, as providers, are here to support that.”

Contactless convenience

“It all started with the mindset of convenience,” Raya shares. “Even before the pandemic, there were already efforts to encourage tap-to-pay transactions.”

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically accelerated adoption, with hygiene, safety, and speed becoming critical considerations.

“The experience of the pandemic pushed Filipinos to adopt digital payments faster,” Raya explains. “Government initiatives further encouraged this shift.”

Today, NFC-capable terminals are no longer a novelty. They are fast becoming an expectation, as digital wallets and mobile payments gain traction across different consumer segments.

Speed matters at the checkout

At the point of sale, speed directly affects customer experience.

In high-traffic environments such as supermarkets, cafés, and quick-service restaurants, NFC payments significantly reduce queuing time. Customers simply tap their card or device, allowing transactions to be completed in seconds.

“Speed translates to convenience,” says Raya. “Faster payments mean better service. That benefits customers, cashiers, and merchants alike.”

“In places like supermarkets with long lines, NFC lets customers tap and go,” he adds. “That significantly reduces queues.”

For businesses, faster throughput also means smoother operations, fewer bottlenecks, and more efficient use of staff: small gains that add up over the course of a busy day.

Addressing everyday merchant pain points

Contactless payments also help address common operational challenges.

Cash handling carries risks such as incorrect change or shortages, while traditional card transactions can slow down due to errors in dipping or swiping.

“Contactless payments reduce errors like incorrect card dips and improve hygiene,” Raya notes. “They also minimize risks associated with cash, such as wrong change or shortages.”

The result is a payment process that is not only faster, but also safer and more reliable, key concerns for merchants managing daily, high-volume transactions.

NFC for MSMEs

MSMEs remain a priority segment for BDO.

To support them, the bank has simplified onboarding through an online portal. Merchants can apply by submitting basic requirements such as completion of the online application form, selfie with valid ID, DTI registration, and BDO deposit account details under the business, with processing completed in just a few days.

BDO also offers compact, portable NFC-capable POS devices designed for small and home-based businesses. These Android-based terminals are intuitive, Wi-Fi- and SIM-enabled, and easy to operate, much like using a smartphone.

Each device comes with a quick-start guide, while merchants can also access tutorials, FAQs, training sessions, and customer support through multiple channels.

“Merchants can accept the same range of cashless payments as larger stores,” Raya says. “Take-up has been impressive because they clearly see the value of cashless payments.”

A one-stop payment solution

What sets BDO’s POS terminals apart is their ability to accept the widest range of payment options on a single device.

BDO is currently the only bank in the Philippines that can accept all major card brands, including Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, UnionPay, Diners, Discover, and BancNet debit cards.

Merchants can also accept QRPH, BDO Pay, foreign wallets such as WeChat and Alipay, Alipay+ partner wallets, and BDO installment payments.

“Our POS terminals are really a one-stop shop,” Raya explains. “They can accept virtually any cashless payment—whether by card, phone, QR code, or wearable.”

Security, trust, and the future of payments

Security remains a cornerstone of BDO’s payment infrastructure.

“All our terminals are certified and compliant with global PCI and EMV standards,” Raya says. “We work closely with card networks to make sure security requirements are fully met.”

Just as BDO has modernized its branches to deliver a digital-first experience, its NFC-enabled POS terminals extend that same philosophy into merchant locations, supported by backend tools that allow merchants to monitor transactions, reconcile payments, and manage cash flow digitally.

Early feedback from merchants has been positive. What began as a solution for foreign visitors accustomed to paying via phones and wearables has evolved into a system that local merchants now actively seek out.

“Before, merchants needed to be introduced to new technologies,” Raya says. “Now, many are proactively looking for better ways to serve their customers.”

Looking ahead, Raya sees contactless payments as essential.

“There are no downsides,” he says. “Contactless payments are secure, fast, and convenient—and our devices are fully equipped to support that future.”

As Filipinos continue to shop, dine, and socialize in physical spaces, NFC-enabled POS terminals will play a vital role in shaping a faster, more seamless, and increasingly cash-light economy, one tap at a time.

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