NFC readers for Apple and Google Wallet passes

Apple Wallet

Apple Wallet NFC passes only work with NFC readers and payment terminals that support Apple VAS ("Value Added Services").

The official list of supported NFC readers and payment terminals for Apple Wallet NFC passes can be found here: https://mfi.apple.com/account/reader-search

Google Wallet

Google Wallet NFC passes only work with NFC readers and payment terminals that support "Google Smart Tap".

The official list of supported NFC readers and payment terminals for Google Wallet NFC passes can be found here: https://developers.google.com/wallet/smart-tap/introduction/overview#smart_tap_capable_terminals

Reader devices for NFC passes in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet: ID TECH PiP, Dot Origin VTAP 100, Zebra TC22, Ingenico Lane/5000

Our Advice

Definitely pick a device that supports both Apple Wallet and Google Wallet.

No paid advertising: Our current personal favorite is the VTAP from Dot Origin (https://www.vtapnfc.com). The VTAP NFC reader is particularly easy to configure and is available in multiple variants for fixed and mobile use and for retrofitting existing access control systems.

A particularly compact and robust reader is the PiP from ID TECH (https://idtechproducts.com/products/point-of-sale-hardware/pip/).

A portable handheld PDA-style reader is the TC22/TC27 from Zebra (https://www.zebra.com/us/en/products/spec-sheets/mobile-computers/handheld/tc22-tc27.html).

updated on: 20 September 2023