NFC-enabled passes allow users to tap their phone at a compatible NFC reader for identification, redemption, or check-in using Apple Wallet’s Value Added Services (VAS) or Google Wallet’s Smart Tap.
NFC is not enabled by default. For Apple, it requires Apple approval and a specific certificate configuration.
This guide walks through the full process and how to confirm it’s working.
Request an NFC Entitlement from Apple
ℹ️ This step is only required for Apple. Google Wallet does not require a separate NFC entitlement. If you already have an NFC entitlement, skip to the NFC Enablement in Badge section.
Step 1: Apply via Apple Developer Program
Log in to your Apple Developer account.
Submit a request for an NFC entitlement via Apple’s Developer Portal.
Step 2: Prepare for Apple’s Questions
Apple wants to understand your business and your use case before granting an NFC entitlement. You do not need all answers immediately, but supplying clear and accurate responses will speed up approval.
Apple Will Ask | What You Should Provide |
Company website | Full URL (example: https://yourcompany.com) |
Years in business | Be honest, even if you are new. Explain your plan. |
Nature of your business | Say exactly what you do (example: Event Ticketing / Membership / Loyalty). |
Primary country of operations | Where you will conduct most of your business. |
Current merchant partnerships | Number of merchants you work with. If you are the merchant, say “N/A” or list your locations. |
Projected merchant uptake in first year | Estimate how many merchants will use Apple VAS in year one. Be ambitious, but realistic. |
Existing engagement / loyalty / CRM programs | If you have them, note whether they are in-house or third-party, and where you are in the integration process. |
Number of NFC-capable terminals in the field | If none yet, that is fine—just state that clearly. |
New vs. existing passes | Will NFC be enabled for new passes only, or also existing ones? If existing, share how many you have issued so far. |
Apple Developer Team ID | Find this in your Apple Developer account. |
Who is developing the passes | Specify that you are using Badge to create and manage your passes. |
Step 3: Wait for Approval
Apple usually takes two weeks to grant approval.
Make sure your implementation follows Apple’s guidelines, as non-compliant requests can be delayed or rejected.
Apple may contact you to schedule a call to further discuss your use case.
If you have not heard back after two weeks, contact your Apple Developer Relations Manager or reach out to Badge for help following up.
Step 4: Generate a Pass Type ID Certificate with NFC Support
After Apple grants the NFC entitlement:
Log in to Apple Developer
Go to Certificates, Identifiers & Profiles
Select Certificates
Click +
Select Pass Type ID Certificate with NFC support
Choose the approved Pass Type ID
Complete certificate generation
Certificates generated after the NFC entitlement is granted will display a “with NFC support” indicator:
Configure NFC in Badge
Once your Certificate with NFC support is generated, you must configure it in Badge to begin issuing NFC passes.
Apple Wallet
Upload the Certificate with NFC support to Badge.
Note your VAS Public Encryption Key:
Apple requires you to supply the public encryption key your reader will use for Value Added Services (VAS).
Badge needs to include it in the NFC pass payload.
ℹ️ The Apple VAS Public Encryption Key is generated by your NFC reader or terminal provider. Contact your POS or terminal vendor and request your Apple Wallet VAS public encryption key (P-256, Base64-encoded X.509 format).
If you are implementing Apple VAS yourself, your engineering team must generate this key pair. Only the public key is provided to Badge.
Google Wallet
Create a new Google Wallet issuer account that can be used to integrate Smart Tap into the Issuer Account in Badge. When doing so:
Create the Google Wallet Issuer account: https://support.google.com/console/answer/11044296
Configure the public key from your terminal provider: https://developers.google.com/wallet/smart-tap/introduction/issuer-configuration#use_the_google_pay_wallet_console
Note your Issuer Id ("Redemption Issuer ID").
ℹ️ The Google Redemption Issuer ID is generated in the Google Wallet Console after you configure Smart Tap for your Issuer account.
Log in to the Google Wallet Console, open your Issuer account, and locate the Redemption Issuer ID in the Smart Tap configuration section.
Provide Required Values to Badge
After completing Apple and/or Google setup, contact Support and provide:
Apple VAS Public Encryption Key (if using Apple)
Google Redemption Issuer ID (if using Google)
The custom attribute to use as the NFC payload (pass.nfcPayload)
For advanced or automated implementations, NFC can also be configured programmatically using the Badge API: https://docs.trybadge.com/docs/nfc.
Need help?
If NFC is not working as expected or you are unsure about any step in the process, contact us. We are happy to review your configuration and help resolve the issue. Contact your Customer Success Manager or [email protected].