In which application areas is NFC used?
NFC has long been used for more than just contactless payment. There are now many other areas of application...
NFC tags are suitable for many applications and are simple to use. Data only needs to be retrieved by scanning. This makes the technology attractive for various fields of application. One example of this is the ID card with online function.
NFC is already being used in many areas of application, sometimes without us even realising it. Some areas are listed and briefly explained below:
- Contactless payment: Paying by swiping a debit card or smartphone has become commonplace. This works by means of an NFC chip and an antenna, which are contained in the bank card or smartphone. Read more: How does payment with NFC work?
- Tickets for events: If visitor tickets need to be protected against counterfeiting, an NFC chip is usually integrated, which can simply be checked by scanning.
- Identity card: All new ID cards and passports contain an NFC chip with personal data. The ID card can therefore also be used for digital signatures, for example. Read more: NFC ID card
- Student ID card: Nowadays, payment in the canteen is typically made without cash. Instead, a credit account is linked to the student ID card. By placing the card at the till, credit can be paid in or used.
- Smartphone control: With appropriate apps, NFC tags can be used to trigger chains of commands. Simply hang up and then, for example, the light is dimmed and music is started. Find out more: Automations with NFC (Android) & Create shortcuts and trigger them via NFC
- NFC locks / keys: Whether doors, cars or bicycles - there are NFC door locks for everything. The NFC chip serves as a key. Often as a tag, but also in any other form. Read more: NFC locking systems
- Nintendo Amiibo: The popular Amiibo figures and Amiibo cards work with NFC. Each figure or card has an inbuilt NFC chip for this purpose. The Nintendo Wii U or Nintendo Switch can read this chip. This allows game content to be unlocked or character customisations to be made, for example.
- Product authentication: Each NFC chip is unique - this can be used very effectively to protect against counterfeiting. Product IDs or other information can be stored and compared to determine whether the product is an original or a counterfeit.
- Implants: By chipping, NFC can be worn under the skin. For humans, these implants are well suited as a key or credit card replacement. For animals, on the other hand, they can be used for identification. Read more: NFC implants
- And many more...
First published: 23.01.2024 / Updated: 23.01.2024 2024-01-23 2024-01-23