The technology used to enable contactless payments is primarily Near Field Communication (NFC). NFC allows two devices—like a smartphone and a point-of-sale terminal—to communicate wirelessly when they are in close proximity, typically within a few centimeters. This technology enables fast and secure transactions by transmitting payment information without the need for physical contact. Additionally, secure protocols such as EMV (Europay, MasterCard, and Visa) are often used to enhance transaction security.