Payment Basics: Mobile

Moving through the language of mobile payments can sometimes be funny business. This simple guide is a good place to start getting your edge.
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This chapter in our series looks at some of the most common terms in the language of mobile.
Mobile credit card processing and payment is everywhere-but what’s what?
From mobile payment type, to mobile acceptance and mobile point-of-sale, here are the basics on mobile.


Dongle

Provides electronic copy protection and content protection which, when attached to a computer or other electronic appliance (such as a mobile phone), unlocks software functionality or decodes content; commonly used with mobile phones to accept payments.

In-App Payments

The ability to sell digital content in mobile applications.

Mobile Payment

Payment services operated under financial regulation and performed from or via a mobile device in a face-to-face transaction environment.

Mobile Payments Acceptance

Ability for merchants to accept payments via a mobile device in a face-to-face transaction environment using Mobile Point-of-Sale (mPOS) Smartphone, tablet, or dedicated wireless device that performs the functions of a cash register or electronic point-of-sale terminal.

Mobile Wallet

An electronic account dominated in a currency and held on a mobile phone that can be used to store and transfer value.

Near Field Communication (NFC)

Set of standards for smartphones and similar devices to establish radio communication with each other by touching them together or bringing them into proximity (usually no more than a few inches).

Quick Response Code® (QR Code®)

Matrix barcode readable by QR scanners, mobile phones with a camera, and smartphones; can be used in mobile payment processing.