How Do NFC Business Cards Actually Work?

NFC stands for Near Field Communication. It sounds technical, but you have been using it for years without thinking about it.

When you tap your bank card on a payment terminal instead of swiping, that is NFC. When you pay with Apple Pay or Google Wallet by holding your phone near the reader, that is NFC. The same technology is inside an NFC business card.

What Is Inside the Card?

An NFC business card contains a tiny chip and a small antenna coil, both embedded inside the card material. The chip stores a small piece of data, in most cases a URL, your Linktree link, your website, or a contact file. The card is completely passive. It has no battery. It does not need power to function.

What Happens When Someone Taps?

When a phone comes within a few centimetres of the card, the phone reads the chip and the stored URL is sent to the phone's browser. The browser opens automatically and your profile page loads. The whole process takes less than three seconds.

Does It Need Wi-Fi?

The tap itself does not need Wi-Fi or mobile data. The chip activates and communicates without any network connection. However, opening your profile page in a browser does require an internet connection on the receiving phone.

Is It Different for iPhone and Android?

Modern iPhones (iPhone 7 and later) have NFC reading capability built in. It works automatically without any app or setting change. Android phones have supported NFC for many years. Both platforms work seamlessly with Tappio cards.

How Is the Card Programmed?

Each Tappio card is individually programmed with your specific profile link using NFC writing software. Once written, the link is locked so it cannot be accidentally overwritten. Your card arrives ready to tap straight out of the packaging.