An automated method is provided for initiating a transaction function in a transaction processing device. The method comprises establishing near field communication between the transaction processing device and an NFC transmitting device having an associated tag identifier and receiving NFC information including the tag identifier. The transaction processing device transmits the NFC information to a merchant processor and receives from the merchant processor a tag rule communication including an instruction to carry out a transaction function associated with the tag identifier or a request to associate a new transaction function with the tag identifier. Responsive to receiving an instruction to carry out a transaction function associated with the tag identifier, the transaction processing device executes the transaction function. Responsive to receiving a request to associate a new transaction function with the tag identifier, the transaction processing device transmits a request response to the merchant processor.