CASE STUDY

Mashreq scales contactless payments with Tap on Phone

Two women paying by tap on phone payment for coffee

The challenge

Mashreq Bank set out to expand digital payment acceptance for small and medium-sized enterprises without introducing additional cost or complexity. By deploying a mobile-first solution, the bank enabled its small business retailers to accept secure, contactless payments instantly, helping accelerate adoption of touch-free experiences across the market.

Many SMEs lack access to standard point of sale (POS) card acceptance solutions

Traditional POS infrastructure can create extra cost for growing businesses, presenting a barrier to adoption

Demand for fast, contactless payments continues to grow

The solution

Through Mastercard Merchant Cloud, Mashreq Bank has introduced Tap on Phone, a mobile-first acceptance solution to expand contactless payments across its small to medium retailer base.

Tap on Phone turns smartphones into secure payment acceptance devices for contactless cards, mobile wallets and even smartwatches — with no additional equipment or setup-related costs.

Businesses can simply download the mobile app and immediately start providing consumers with a checkout experience that is flexible, seamless, intuitive and secure.

This approach enables Mashreq to:

Eliminate reliance on traditional POS infrastructure: Turning smartphones into payment acceptance devices with no additional hardware required

Expand reach to underserved retailer segments: Particularly micro and small businesses that previously lacked access to digital payments

Deliver flexible acceptance experiences: Supporting in-store, on-the-go, and delivery scenarios to meet evolving retailer needs

Align with consumer preference for contactless payments: Enabling fast, convenient, and touch-free checkout experiences

By prioritizing simplicity and scalability, Mashreq positioned Tap on Phone as a key driver of retailer acquisition and digital adoption.

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The results

Mashreq’s approach demonstrates how financial partners can drive payment innovation by combining mobile-first technology with scalable implementation strategies—enabling broader acceptance, faster retailer onboarding, and stronger participation in the digital economy.

Through implementing Tap on Phone for its retailers, Mashreq: