Alipay’s Contactless Payment Feature “Tap!” Achieves Major Milestone Amid Growing Demand for Seamless Digital Transactions
Alipay’s contactless payment solution, Tap!, has hit a significant milestone by reaching 100 million users within just 11 months of its official launch in June 2024. The rapid adoption of the feature showcases the rising demand for fast, secure, and frictionless payment methods in an increasingly digital-first world.
As one of China’s leading digital payment platforms, Alipay has long been at the forefront of innovation in the fintech sector. With Tap!, the company introduced a contactless near-field communication (NFC)-based feature designed to enhance the user experience by making everyday transactions even more effortless.
The Rise of Tap!: A Game-Changer in Contactless Payments
Launched in mid-2024, Alipay Tap! was developed to simplify the digital payment experience for both users and merchants. By simply tapping their smartphones at payment terminals, users can complete transactions without opening an app or scanning a QR code—a significant improvement in convenience and speed.
The seamless functionality has driven widespread adoption, especially in urban centers, public transport systems, and retail chains where efficiency is key. Within less than a year, the feature has amassed over 100 million users, highlighting the public’s growing trust in tap-and-go technology.
Why Contactless is Winning in 2025
The COVID-19 pandemic played a major role in accelerating the global shift toward contactless transactions. Even as the pandemic waned, consumers continued to prioritize hygiene, convenience, and speed—all of which are delivered by features like Alipay Tap!.
According to recent market trends, contactless payments in Asia-Pacific are expected to grow by double digits annually over the next five years. With mobile wallets becoming mainstream, Alipay’s timely rollout of Tap! has given it a competitive edge over rivals like WeChat Pay, Apple Pay, and UnionPay.
Supporting Infrastructure and Global Potential
Alipay’s rapid scale-up of Tap! adoption is supported by an expanding infrastructure of NFC-enabled terminals and strong merchant onboarding initiatives. The company has partnered with retailers, restaurants, transit authorities, and service providers to integrate Tap! into daily payment routines.
Although initially rolled out in China, Alipay has ambitions to expand Tap! across international markets, particularly in Southeast Asia and Europe, where mobile payment adoption is growing. With 100 million users already on board, the company is in a strong position to scale globally.
What’s Next for Alipay Tap!
Looking ahead, Alipay is expected to continue refining Tap! by integrating AI-powered fraud detection, loyalty rewards, and personalized offers. These enhancements aim to drive user engagement and encourage repeated use.
Moreover, Alipay is exploring partnerships with smartphone manufacturers and wearable tech brands to expand Tap!’s compatibility and reach, ensuring that more users can access the feature regardless of device type.
Final Thoughts
Alipay Tap! reaching 100 million users in just 11 months is a powerful testament to the growing consumer preference for contactless payments. As the global fintech race intensifies, Alipay’s innovation-driven approach and swift adoption rate solidify its leadership in the digital payments space. With continued investment and expansion plans, Tap! is well-positioned to become a go-to payment method not just in China, but worldwide.
