Contactless Payment Alternatives: Safe, Secure, Sanitary
As we navigate the global health challenges changes of 2020 and settle into becoming a socially distanced society, contactless payments move into the spotlight at the urging of the World Health Organization. And it makes sense—the alternative, cash, changes hands hundreds of times before it’s retired.
Did you know the average $20 bill circulates for about eight years, while a $100 bill sticks around for nearly 20?
That’s a lot of hands.
As consumers become more conscious of touchpoints, demands for safe, touch-free options continue to surge. NFC and QR codes previously offered a step in the right direction, but how far do they really go in keeping transactions truly contact-free and how many consumers are able to use the tech?
With newer, more accessible, versatile data modality standards like ultrasonic (aka “data-over-sound”), the possibilities for hygienic and convenient payments have opened up, leaving many wondering just how far these technologies can take us.
TL;DR: Key Takeaways
- Contactless payments have become essential for hygiene and convenience, adapting to a world that’s rethinking touchpoints.
- Traditional methods like NFC and QR codes require close proximity, which isn’t always safe or practical.
- Ultrasonic data-over-sound technology offers a safe, flexible, and effective alternative with a range of up to 10 feet, supporting a variety of secure, contact-free interactions.
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Physical Currency and Hygiene Risks in a Pandemic World
Handling cash wasn’t always a hygiene concern. But with the events of 2020, people began looking at it differently. It turns out, the average banknote circulates for years and picks up its fair share of unknowns along the way.
In response, individuals took currency hygiene into their own hands-literally- making and sharing helpful videos online for other cash-carrying, health conscious consumers. Some countries started quarantining their cash, and a few banks went as far as sanitizing it with UV light. But as effective as those steps might seem, hand sanitizing billions of pieces of banknotes isn’t a practical long-term solution. From 2019-2020, in the U.S. alone, the Federal Reserve released over 40 billion new units in notes!
Here’s the thing: even our “contactless” credit cards and payment terminals require touch somewhere along the line. QR codes and NFC, though steps in the right direction, still bring people too close to comfort.
To really change the game, consumers need a payment option that skips the need for physical contact altogether. The demand for something better has never been clearer.
Traditional Contactless Solutions Fall Short
As contactless solutions become part of everyday life, there’s still a lingering question: are NFC and QR codes enough to meet the demands of a world that values hygiene and convenience more than ever?
Why NFC and QR Codes Aren’t Quite Cutting It
Let’s start with NFC. It’s become common in many places, but there’s a catch: it only works within centimeters, so people still have to get up close and personal with a terminal.
In busy spots like stores or transit stations, that close range can create bottlenecks. QR codes bring their own set of quirks. You need to be close enough, scan at the right angle, and sometimes even tap around to get it working.
And while both options are technically contact-free, they still don’t offer the distance that might truly put people at ease.
Challenges with Mobile Wallet Adoption
Digital wallets—like Apple Pay and Google Pay—tried to bridge this gap, but even they come with limits. Many consumers prefer retailer-specific apps that let them rack up loyalty points or take advantage of special offers. And here, we see QR codes again, tethering people to close-range interactions that feel out of step with current expectations. All in all, both NFC and QR codes fall a bit short of the safe, convenient, and truly touch-free experience people are looking for.
Ultrasonic Technology as a Hygienic, Secure Alternative
Meeting the need for hygienic, long-range, and touch-free options, ultrasonic technology introduces a smart way to connect devices over sound. With the ability to transmit data over a distance of up to 10 feet, ultrasonic payments go the extra distance—literally—giving people a chance to pay and verify from a safe space.
How Ultrasonic Data-Over-Sound Technology Works
Ultrasonic technology takes a different approach by using encrypted sound waves to pass data between devices—no close proximity required. It works across nearly any device, so there’s no need for fancy upgrades or specific smartphones.
That versatility makes it a practical solution for settings that get crowded, from grocery stores and malls to stadiums and restaurants.
What really makes ultrasonic different? It keeps people at a safe distance without sacrificing ease or security. Imagine paying for your morning coffee without ever needing to tap, scan, or swipe. That’s the potential of truly contactless solutions.
Where Ultrasonic Technology Fits into a Contact-Free Future
For businesses aiming to provide both safety and simplicity, ultrasonic technology offers a flexible foundation. It lets companies go beyond simple transactions, supporting loyalty programs, personal offers, and secure ID verification.
Imagine a grocery store where customers check in, shop, and check out—all without ever touching a thing. With ultrasonic tech, businesses can build these experiences, turning contact-free from a buzzword into a reality.
Real-World Uses of Ultrasonic Payments
From curbside pickup to drive-throughs, ultrasonic technology brings contactless solutions into real-life situations:
- Retail and Grocery. For curbside services, ultrasonic tech makes it possible for customers to verify purchases from a safe distance, avoiding unnecessary interactions.
- Food Delivery and Pickup Verification. Restaurants and delivery drivers can authenticate orders through ultrasonic signals, adding a layer of security that’s been especially needed lately.
- More Than Payments. Besides handling payments, ultrasonic technology also supports loyalty programs, secure identification, and real-time tracking, giving businesses more flexibility to improve the customer experience without touching a thing.
Redesigning Retail and Service Experiences for a New Standard of Hygiene and Convenience
It’s not just about keeping payments contactless—it’s about reimagining the customer experience from start to finish.
When consumers shop or dine today, they expect more than just convenience; they want to feel safe and in control of their interactions. For retailers, restaurants, and service providers, this means stepping back and looking at every stage of the customer journey, from entry to checkout—the path to purchase and beyond.
Ready to Transform Your Business Into a Truly Contactless Provider?
When hygiene and safety are top of mind, contactless payments become more than a convenience—they’re a key part of a comfortable customer experience.
Ultrasonic technology offers a solution that skips the close contact NFC and QR codes require, allowing people to pay and interact from a safe distance. As people settle into these new norms, ultrasonic solutions open the door to truly touch-free interactions that meet today’s standards without sacrificing ease or familiarity.
Whether your business is looking for contactless payment, loyalty, or authentication, LISNR’s proximity-based, ultrasonic SDK can help facilitate the security and—most importantly—the health of your customers.
To learn more about how ultrasonic-powered proximity technology can help you deliver truly contactless solutions, get in touch with a LISNR® engineer today.