An Apple Wallet and Google Wallet NFC pass

Contactless validation with NFC Wallet passes

One tap, all done: NFC wallet cards in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet speed up access, identification, and loyalty processes - from events to retail, from office badges to memberships. With Passcreator, companies and organizers can create, distribute, and manage such cards within minutes - without special hardware or complex integrations.

What are NFC Wallet Passes? 

NFC wallet cards are digital IDs, tickets, customer, or membership cards in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet that interact contactlessly with compatible readers via Near Field Communication (NFC). Apple Wallet uses the VAS protocol, while Google Wallet uses Smart Tap. When tapped, the encrypted card payload is securely transmitted - without manual scanning or typing.

Advantages for Businesses and Organizers

  • Faster Onsite Handling: Access, identification, loyalty, and validation with a single tap - shorter queues and more efficient processes.
  • High Security: Cryptographically signed pass payloads and device binding make manipulation and duplication difficult.
  • Greater Convenience: Users always have their cards in their wallet; updates appear automatically, and notifications provide real-time information.
  • Flexible Use: Events, memberships, loyalty cards, employee badges, vouchers, boarding/check-in scenarios, and more.
  • Sustainable: No paper or PVC, no shipping logistics - reduces costs and emissions.
  • Measurable: Live data on usage and check-ins support operations and marketing.

Hardware-Level Security 

  • Secure Element: Apple and many Android devices store wallet credentials in a secured hardware area; access is controlled via the NFC controller.
  • Signatures & Device Binding: ECDSA signatures protect the content; binding to the user account or device makes unauthorized sharing difficult.
  • Proximity by Design: Communication starts only at close range with authorized terminals - protecting against remote attacks and replay risks.
  • Controlled Distribution: Passes can be centrally issued, updated, revoked, or time-limited.
Validation of an NFC pass using the Passcreator Companion App

Create and Manage NFC Wallet Cards with Passcreator

Passcreator can create NFC wallet passes, and existing cards can also be enabled for NFC. NFC cards can be used for ticketing, loyalty, and membership cards. If you’d like to get started, please contact us and describe your planned project, including the POS system you use and any existing credit card readers that are capable of reading NFC wallet cards.

Managing NFC passes in Passcreator offers the following advantages for your campaign:

  • Design & Templates: Corporate design, logos, colors, fields, dynamic content; optional additional barcode or QR codes for fallback.
  • Distribution: Email, SMS, landing pages, deep links with operating system detection; bulk upload or API-based.
  • Validation: NFC readers, existing POS/access systems, or Passcreator Smart Scan app; support for Apple VAS and Google Smart Tap.
  • Lifecycle & Automation: Real-time updates, blocking/re-issuance, segmentation, geofencing, push notifications.
  • Integration: REST API and webhooks for CRM, ERP, ticketing, loyalty, IAM, or access systems.
     

Use Cases

  • Events & Venues: Access, staff badges, VIP/B2B passes
  • Retail & Hospitality: Loyalty cards, vouchers, memberships
  • Corporate & Education: Employee/student IDs, access credentials, visitor badges
  • Mobility & Leisure: Parking, clubs, fitness, museums
Contact us
Usage of an NFC pass in Apple Wallet using an iPhone 12 mini
Usage of an NFC Wallet pass using an Apple Watch
Google Pay Smart Tap NFC pass
Die Oscars nutzen Passcreator, um digitale Tickets für die Stars zu erstellen!

NFC Case Study - Tickets for the Oscars  

Since 2022, the Academy has been using NFC wallet passes with Passcreator at the Oscars - for fast, contactless processes and a premium guest experience. You can learn more about it in our case study!
 

Show the Case Study

FAQ

  • Do I need special hardware?
    In many cases, no: Numerous existing terminals support VAS/Smart Tap; alternatively, validation works via the Passcreator Smart Scan app in combination with a supported reader.
  • Can cards be transferred?
    Unauthorized transfer is significantly restricted through signatures and device binding. Additionally, rules such as blocking or reassignment can be centrally managed. Ultimately, it is up to the issuing company to decide whether cards can be transferred.
  • What happens if a device is lost?
    The card can be blocked and reissued via the Passcreator dashboard. Depending on the device, the card may also be part of a backup.
  • How do I get started?
    Create a free account, choose a template, activate NFC, and distribute - or integrate via API. Using NFC in Apple Wallet requires approval.