What’s on tap for in-store checkout?

“More taps, more trust, more taps. And that’s what we’re seeing.”

That’s the flywheel of contactless payments according to Jennifer Marriner, who leads Global Acceptance Solutions for Mastercard. In the latest episode of “What’s Next In,” Mastercard’s podcast that informally explores technology, innovation and ideas, host Vicki Hyman chats with Marriner and Dennis Gamiello, head of Identity Products & Innovation, about the evolution of physical checkout, from the zip-zap machines of yore to today’s tap and go revolution and beyond, including the rise of biometric-powered payments.

For decades, the checkout counter was tethered to physical hardware, Marriner says, but now we’re seeing more software-led acceptance solutions, such as Tap on Phone, which allows business owners to accept payments with their own smartphones, no additional hardware needed.

Looking ahead, Marriner and Gamiello discuss the future of checkout as a place where online and offline experiences converge, with hyper-personalized shopping experiences and seamless checkouts.

“Think about the experience you can offer, the rewards, everything associated with that payment,” Gamiello says. “I show up, I’m recognized, I’m trusted … You’re seeing it all moving in the same direction and it comes together to unlock that transformational experience.”

To hear more, stream “What’s Next In” in the player above and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite streaming platform.