Some might think that a virtual card is limited only to online shopping and paying for websites and apps.
But the truth is, you can use the Kazawallet virtual card to pay for your morning coffee, shop at the supermarket, or even fill up on gas, just like any physical card, thanks to a technology in your phone called NFC.
This article simply explains what NFC technology is and how it turns your phone into a secure payment method in physical stores.
What is NFC technology simply?
NFC stands for Near Field Communication. Simply put, it is a small smart chip found inside most modern phones that allows your phone to talk wirelessly with Point of Sale (POS) devices in stores.
When you bring your phone close (a few centimeters) to the payment device, the NFC chip transmits encrypted payment data from your phone to the device in split seconds. This is known as contactless payment.
This technology is responsible for what we call contactless payment today, eliminating the need to take out your wallet or swipe a physical card to pay.
How do you pay with a virtual card in a real store?
Your card has no physical existence, so how do you pay with it in a store? The answer lies in turning your phone into the card itself:
- Virtual Card: It is the source of money, containing the number and balance.
- Digital Wallet (Google Wallet): This is the app that stores the card on your phone.
- NFC Technology: This is the bridge that transfers payment data from the app to the store’s machine.
How does NFC protect your money?
Paying via NFC is far more secure than using a traditional card for three main reasons:
1. Encryption and Tokenization
When you pay via NFC, your phone does not send your real card number to the merchant’s device. Instead, it sends a randomly encrypted token used only once.
For this reason, if someone hacks the merchant’s device and steals the data, all they will find are useless random tokens, keeping your original card number safe and hidden.
2. Biometric Security
A physical card can be easily used by anyone in stores for small transactions under a certain limit without needing your PIN in many cases.
But with your phone, no one can pay via NFC. If someone steals your phone, they won’t be able to use your stored cards for payment because their fingerprint or face won’t match your data.
3. Required Physical Proximity
NFC payment requires the two devices (phone and payment terminal) to be very close, usually no more than 4 centimeters.
This reduces the chances of signal interception or information theft during the process because communication can only happen at extremely close range, naturally enhancing security.
What is the Kazawallet Virtual Card?
The Kazawallet virtual card is a Visa card whose details are issued digitally within the Kazawallet.
This card, which functions as a card for both digital and traditional currencies, is linked directly to your balances on the platform, allowing you to convert the value of your assets (like Bitcoin, USDT, USDC, Dollar, Euro, etc.) into instant purchasing power.
Read more about the new Kazawallet virtual card, your gateway to global payments
How to use the Kazawallet card to pay in stores?
Now that you know how the technology works, here is how to apply it using the Kazawallet card. The process requires a one-time setup:
Step 1: Ensure NFC is enabled
- Go to your phone settings.
- Search for (NFC) and make sure it is turned on. (Most modern phones support this feature).
Step 2: Add the Kazawallet card to the Google Wallet app on your phone.
If you haven’t created a card yet, you can follow our guide on how to get a Kazawallet card step-by-step.
- Open the Wallet app.
- Tap “Add to Wallet” or “Add a card.”
- Enter your Kazawallet card details (Number, Date, CVV) from the app. Read about how to show Kazawallet card details.
To learn the process step-by-step, read our article on how to add the Kazawallet card to Google Wallet.
Step 3: Paying in the store (The moment of purchase)
When the cashier asks you to pay:
- Unlock your phone.
- Ensure the card is selected:
- If the Kazawallet card is the only one in your wallet, you are ready immediately.
- If you have other cards, open the Wallet app first and select the Kazawallet card for payment.
- Hold the back of your phone near the store’s contactless payment device.
- If the transaction is successful, you will hear a soft beep or see a confirmation message on the phone screen, and the amount will be deducted from your virtual card account.
Frequently Asked Questions
1- Do I need an internet connection while paying in the store?
No, you do not need a real-time internet connection when paying in-store using NFC. This process relies on having internet only when setting up your virtual card for the first time in a digital wallet like Google Wallet to store the card data.
2- Does the card work in all stores?
The card works in any store around the world that displays the contactless payment logo (looks like a WiFi signal) on the payment device, which is the current standard in most stores and restaurants.
3- Can I use my crypto balance to pay in stores?
Yes, and this is the core of the Kazawallet card. You can top up the card with crypto, then go to the store and pay via NFC. The shop receives its money in the local currency, and you have used your digital balance to buy your real-world needs.
For more details on this process, read about how to turn your crypto balance into instant payments via Google Pay.
4- Do all phones support NFC?
Most modern smartphones (iPhone 6 and later, and most mid-range and flagship Android devices in recent years) support this technology. You can verify this from your phone’s settings by searching for the word “NFC.”
5- How do I know if my card or phone supports contactless payment?
Your virtual card, being digital and inside your smartphone app (like Google Wallet or Apple Wallet), is inherently contactless and relies on Near Field Communication technology. As for the phone, search your phone settings for the “NFC” option. If you find it, ensure it’s enabled and your phone supports this feature.
6- Is contactless payment secure?
Yes, it is extremely secure. Contactless transactions use encryption and generate unique tokens used once per transaction, keeping your real card data unexposed and making it difficult for fraudsters to use stolen data.
7- What if I lose my phone?
If you lose the phone, digital wallet payments remain secure because they require biometric authentication (fingerprint or face) or a passcode (PIN) to complete the payment, preventing unauthorized persons from using your device.
In Conclusion
NFC technology eliminated the need to carry a full wallet and physical cards, and the Kazawallet card eliminates the boundaries between your digital funds and daily purchases.
Together, your phone has become everything you need. Whether you are buying online or shopping at the store next to your home, one card in your phone is enough to accomplish everything safely and quickly.
