Final answer:
The correct answer is Near Field Communication (NFC), which allows consumers to swipe their credit cards or smartphones near point-of-sale terminals to make purchases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is a) Near Field Communication (NFC). NFC is a wireless technology that allows consumers to securely exchange data over short distances, typically within a few inches. It is commonly used for contactless payments, where consumers can simply swipe their credit cards or smartphones near point-of-sale terminals to make purchases. This technology is widely used in many payment systems and mobile wallets, enabling convenient and secure transactions.