With the rise of contactless payments, both Samsung and Apple are making it easier than ever to send money using just your smartphone. Samsung has introduced Tap to Transfer, while Apple is rolling out Tap to Cash with iOS 18. While both use NFC to enable peer-to-peer transactions, there are key differences that set them apart. In this short piece, I’m going to pit Samsung’s Tap to Transfer vs Apple’s Tap to Cash to figure out which one is better than the other. Keep reading to…
Tap to Transfer – Samsung’s Flexible Solution
Samsung’s Tap to Transfer is built into Samsung Wallet and allows users to send money by simply tapping their phone against another. The standout feature here is flexibility. Unlike Apple’s system, Tap to Transfer doesn’t require both users to be on Samsung devices.
Instead, as long as the sender has a supported Visa or Mastercard debit card saved in Samsung Wallet, they can transfer money to anyone—even if the recipient uses Apple Wallet or just has a physical tap-to-pay debit card. No app is needed on either side.
What’s more impressive is that the recipient doesn’t even need to have a digital wallet. A simple tap to a physical card is enough, thanks to Samsung’s partnership with Visa and Mastercard. This gives Tap to Transfer a serious edge in terms of accessibility and cross-platform support.
Samsung’s Tap to Transfer is going to roll out this month, making peer-to-peer payments faster, simpler, and more flexible for Samsung users.
Tap to Cash – Apple’s iOS-Only Feature
Apple’s Tap to Cash is also NFC-based and works through Apple Cash. It lets users send money by tapping two iPhones or Apple Watches together, but both devices must be running iOS 18 or later and watchOS 11 or later.
The funds are sent via Apple Cash, meaning both parties must have Apple IDs and Apple Cash set up. This creates limitations—no Android support, no cross-platform functionality, and no physical card compatibility.
While the process is seamless within the Apple ecosystem, it lacks the broad reach that Samsung’s method offers.
Which Is Better?
If you’re an Apple user dealing only with other Apple users, Tap to Cash is convenient. But in terms of versatility, platform compatibility, and app-free experience, Samsung’s Tap to Transfer clearly leads. It works across platforms, supports physical debit cards, and doesn’t force users into a single ecosystem.
Verdict..!
Without mincing my words, I’d like to straightaway conclude that the Tap to Transfer is the more flexible and inclusive option, making it the better choice for real-world, cross-platform money transfers.
