DBS Turns Smartphones into Payment Terminals
Singapore's largest bank is expanding its digital payments offering with a new solution that allows merchants to accept card payments directly on their smartphones, eliminating the need for dedicated payment terminals.
According to a media release issued by DBS on Tuesday, the bank has become the first Singapore-based lender to introduce a «tap-to-phone» capability that enables businesses to accept contactless credit and debit card payments through Android smartphones using the DBS MAX application.
The move comes as Singapore continues to push towards a more cash-light economy and as merchants seek flexible, low-cost payment solutions that can be deployed quickly.
One Device, Multiple Payment Options
The new functionality transforms a smartphone into a point-of-sale terminal. Customers can complete transactions simply by tapping a physical contactless card or a mobile wallet such as Apple Pay, Google Wallet or Samsung Wallet on a merchant's phone.
By integrating card acceptance into DBS MAX, the bank is bringing together multiple collection methods – including PayNow, DBS PayLah! and card payments – within a single platform. This allows businesses to consolidate payment channels and simplify day-to-day operations.
For merchants operating temporary sales points, such as pop-up stores or event booths, the solution also promises a faster onboarding process. According to DBS, businesses can activate the service through a streamlined setup process directly within the application.
Targeting Tourism and Small Businesses
The launch also reflects the growing importance of international visitors to Singapore's retail and service sectors. While local consumers have largely embraced QR-code payments and digital wallets, tourists often continue to rely on traditional card payments.
By enabling merchants to accept a broader range of payment methods without investing in additional hardware, DBS aims to help businesses capture spending from overseas visitors. The bank noted in its media release that Singapore's tourism receipts reached record levels in 2025, exceeding SGD 23.9 billion during the first nine months of the year.
The solution could prove particularly attractive for smaller businesses, market vendors and mobile merchants looking for cost-efficient payment infrastructure.
Expanding DBS' Digital Payments Ecosystem
Tesy Mathew, Group Head of Cash Product Management within DBS' Global Transaction Services division, said the new feature was designed to help businesses streamline operations while broadening customer reach.
«Convenient, secure and reliable payments and collections form the bedrock of any merchants' operations,» she said in the media release.
The launch builds on DBS MAX, the bank's cashless collection platform introduced in 2018. The application combines payment acceptance with automated bookkeeping tools and has become a central component of DBS' merchant payments ecosystem.
As competition intensifies across Asia's payments landscape, the latest initiative highlights how banks are increasingly seeking to embed payment acceptance capabilities directly into everyday devices, reducing friction for both merchants and consumers.
