If you’ve ever thought, “Ang hassle mag-rent or bumili ng POS machine,” then RCBC Tap to Phone is the shortcut you’ve been waiting for. As of August 2025, this SoftPOS solution lets you accept Visa and Mastercard payments straight from your NFC-enabled Android phone. No bulky terminal, no long onboarding. Just your phone, your app, and your hustle.
What is RCBC Tap to Phone?
RCBC Tap to Phone is a SoftPOS app that transforms your Android smartphone into a secure card terminal. Customers simply tap their contactless Visa or Mastercard, and the payment processes instantly.
Instead of paper slips, you send receipts digitally—via QR code or email. And instead of reconciling a separate device, you track everything through an online merchant portal.
RCBC is the first commercial bank in the Philippines to roll out this tech, built on Soft Space’s Fasstap solution, which powers cashless acceptance across Asia.
Why MSMEs Should Care
- Low startup cost: Use the phone you already own, no POS rental required.
- Faster cash flow: Sales are settled by the next banking day if you bank with RCBC. Non-RCBC accounts settle via PESONET.
- Boost in sales: Capture buyers who prefer paying by card.
- Works anywhere: Pop-up stalls, bazaars, home services, delivery riders—no fixed location needed.
- Easy reporting: Transactions are tracked in the merchant portal.
Who This Fits
This is perfect for:
- Food stalls and mobile coffee carts
- Salons, barbers, or spa-on-the-go services
- Freelancers like coaches, tutors, or photographers
- Market vendors and home bakers
- Event sellers or weekend bazaar booths
- Delivery riders and small logistics teams
If your business moves around or you don’t want to commit to a bulky POS machine, this is for you.
How It Works: Step by Step
- Check your phone: You need an NFC-enabled Android (Android 11 or higher).
- Apply for merchant account: Submit documents to RCBC for onboarding.
- Download the app: Once approved, install RCBC Tap to Phone from Google Play.
- Log in and set up: Enter your business info.
- Test a transaction: Always do a small test payment.
- Accept payments: Customers tap their card or device on your phone.
- Send e-receipts: Via QR or email.
- Track sales: Monitor everything from the merchant portal.
Fees & Settlements
Here’s what you need to know about fees:
- No setup or rental fee
- MDR (Merchant Discount Rate): ~3% per transaction
- Settlement timelines:
- Next banking day if settlement account is with RCBC
- Up to 2 banking days if weekend or holiday
- Non-RCBC accounts settle via PESONET
Key Comparisons
| Feature | Benefit for MSMEs |
|---|---|
| No POS Rental | Save on leasing bulky devices. |
| 3% MDR | Factor into pricing so you don’t lose margins. |
| Next-Day Settlement | Quicker cash flow for inventory or bills. |
| Digital Receipts | Build customer trust with modern receipts. |
Security in Simple Terms
RCBC Tap to Phone uses SoftPOS tech that complies with MPoC security standards. In plain words: it’s as safe as the terminals at supermarkets. If a PIN is required, the app supports secure entry directly on your screen.
The app relies on the same networks and card rules that physical POS systems use—so you’re not compromising safety when customers tap on your phone.
Onboarding Made Easy
To start, you’ll need:
- Government-issued IDs
- Business documents (DTI, BIR permits, or Mayor’s permit)
- An RCBC or non-RCBC settlement account
Application process:
- Submit requirements to RCBC’s merchant onboarding.
- Wait 3–5 banking days for approval.
- Download the app from Google Play.
- Run a small test payment before going live.
Pro Tips from the Field
- Put up a “Tap to Pay Here” sign so customers know you accept cards.
- Keep your phone charged and on a simple stand.
- During launch week, offer a small perk for card users (like a free add-on).
- Train staff to hold the phone steady and guide customers to tap and hold for a second.
- Always have a backup option—cash or QR—when data signals get patchy.
Risks & Limits to Note
- Works only on NFC-enabled Android phones (iPhones not supported).
- Requires stable data connection.
- MDR (3%) applies to every transaction, so plan pricing accordingly.
- Fees and timelines may change—always confirm with RCBC during onboarding.
Real-Life Example
Ate Joy runs a mobile coffee cart in Quezon City. Before Tap to Phone, she was cash-only. Now, a student buys a ₱150 latte using a card. After MDR (3%), she nets ₱145.50. The amount hits her RCBC account the next banking day—fast enough to restock beans the next morning.
No bulky POS, no long waits. Just her phone, her cart, and smoother sales.
FAQ Section
What is RCBC Tap to Phone?
A: It’s a SoftPOS app that turns your NFC-enabled Android phone into a card terminal. Customers can tap Visa or Mastercard cards or devices.
How much does it cost?
A: No setup or rental fees. MDR is around 3% per transaction. Funds settle next banking day for RCBC accounts.
What kind of phone do I need?
A: An NFC-enabled Android phone running Android 11 or above. iPhones aren’t supported yet.
Is it secure?
A: Yes. It uses SoftPOS technology with MPoC standards, the same security banks use for traditional POS terminals.
How long does approval take?
A: Usually 3–5 banking days once you’ve submitted all required documents.
Insights and Possibilities
RCBC Tap to Phone opens the door for MSMEs to join the cashless economy without heavy costs or complicated devices. Accepting cards makes your business look more professional, whether you’re selling in a bazaar, a karinderya, or out on delivery runs.
The real advantage is flexibility. With faster settlements and digital receipts, you’re no longer tied to slow cash handling or risky daily collections. That shift gives you room to grow, experiment, and manage your business with more confidence.
For many Filipino MSMEs, this could be the small move that unlocks bigger opportunities. Other t
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