NFC passes overview

How it works

An NFC enabled pass carries an encrypted value. A compatible NFC reader picks it up when the holder taps their phone. As soon as a holder with a matching pass taps, the phone shows the pass and the holder redeems it. No app opens and nobody scans a barcode.

The common prerequisite is an NFC reader that supports the Apple VAS and Google Smart Tap protocols. The Passcreator Smart Scan app supports a selected range of NFC readers. You can also integrate readers from another vendor, for example a credit card terminal. Contact Passcreator if you need help choosing a reader.

Getting NFC enabled

NFC for Apple Wallet requires an approval process, because the details are subject to an NDA with Apple. You submit an NFC request from within Passcreator.

1. Go to Templates in the sidebar, open the New Template dropdown and select Request NFC Pass. Alternatively, open the profile menu and go to Account › NFC requests.
2. Fill in the request form and submit it. Passcreator gets in touch to sort out the details of your use case.

Once Passcreator approves your request, we provision the necessary NFC certificate for you. It appears under Settings › Certificates with an NFC active indicator and the badge Managed by Passcreator. Passcreator restricts the certificate to the approved templates. You cannot change or delete it.

For Google Smart Tap, contact Passcreator and we enable the feature for your account.

Enabling NFC on a template

After approval, enable NFC in the template.

1. Open the template in the editor and go to Barcode & NFC.
2. In the NFC box, switch on Enable NFC. If Passcreator has not approved the template yet, the editor shows the hint If you want to use NFC passes for Apple Wallet, please submit an NFC request via your account settings.
3. Configure the two options if you need them.
   • Do not add a barcode as fallback when NFC is enabled. By default, passes keep a barcode so devices without NFC can still scan them.
   • Face ID or Touch ID required (iOS). The holder must authenticate before the iPhone transmits the pass value.
4. Save and publish your changes.

If your account uses several NFC encryption certificates, pick the one a template uses under Template Details › Settings › NFC certificate. Accounts with the bring your own key feature also manage their NFC certificates at the bottom of Settings › Certificates.

Scanning NFC passes

To redeem NFC passes, use the Passcreator Smart Scan app together with a supported USB NFC reader, or integrate a reader into your own point of sale system. See Scanning NFC passes with USB readers for instructions.

There is also an integration type NFC Pass Distribution URL under Integrations. It distributes passes via physical NFC tags and supports personalization.