The future of contactless payment in hospitality

From QR codes to NFC chips, from crypto to biometric payments — the hospitality industry is on the verge of a payment revolution. But which technologies will truly make the difference in 2026 and beyond? We dive into the trends your restaurant can't ignore.

The current state: QR codes dominate (for now)

Let's be honest: the QR code had its definitive breakthrough during COVID-19. What was once an obscure Japanese invention is now indispensable in Dutch hospitality. And rightfully so — it simply works.

Take Splitty, for example, which uses QR codes to let guests settle their bill in 15 seconds. Restaurant LIMON in Amsterdam saw their revenue increase by 35% through faster table turnover.

"We initially thought QR codes would be too technical for our older guests. But the opposite turned out to be true. Even my 78-year-old regular now scans faster than he ever pulled out his debit card."

NFC: The silent revolution in your pocket

Near Field Communication (NFC) has been in your phone for years, but the hospitality industry has barely tapped its potential. This is now changing. Apple's recent opening of NFC for third-party apps is a game-changer.

Imagine: guests simply tap their phone against an NFC tag on the table. No opening the camera, no scanning a QR code — just tap and pay.

87% of smartphones have NFC
3 sec average payment time with NFC
€0.02 cost per NFC tag

Biometric payments: Science fiction becomes reality

Amazon's "Just Walk Out" technology may still be experimental, but biometric payments are coming. In China, people already pay with facial recognition, and major chains like McDonald's are experimenting with palm scanning.

For Dutch hospitality, this is still far off, but the first steps are being taken.

The dark horses: Crypto and BNPL

Two trends we can't ignore: cryptocurrency and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL).

Cryptocurrency: Yes, it's volatile. Yes, it's complex. But for international tourists, it can be a lifesaver. No exchange rates, no credit card fees.

BNPL for hospitality: Klarna for your dinner? It sounds crazy, but for large group dinners or corporate events, it can make sense.

What does this mean for your restaurant?

The future of payments in hospitality isn't about one technology, but about choice and flexibility. Guests expect options.

Practical steps to get started:

Start with QR: It's proven, affordable, and works. Systems like Splitty make implementation possible within 24 hours.
Experiment with NFC: Buy a few NFC tags (€10 for 500 pieces) and test it with your team.
Stay flexible: Choose POS systems that offer open APIs for future integrations.
Listen to your guests: Not every technology suits every restaurant. Test, measure, and adjust.

The reality check

Let's stay realistic. The average Dutch hospitality owner doesn't have time to try every new payment technology. The key is to focus on technologies that add direct value:

Faster checkout times (more table rotation)
Higher tips for your staff
Better guest experience (more positive reviews)
Lower transaction costs

If a new technology doesn't tick at least two of these boxes, it's probably not worth it.

The bottom line

Contactless payment is no longer a thing of the future — it's the present. QR codes have paved the way, NFC is ready to take over, and who knows what comes next.

The most important thing is that you don't stand still. The restaurants that still exist in 2030 are those that are already experimenting with tomorrow's payment methods today. Start small, test a lot, and keep listening to your guests.

Because ultimately, it's not about the technology itself, but about what it delivers: faster service, happier guests, and a healthier business.