Using a Bluetooth communication channel for point of sale processing simulates a near field communication connection. A contactless device and the point of sale reader establish an unsecure communication channel. The user taps the contactless device with a point of sale terminal reader. The contactless device creates receive signal strength indicator (“RSSI”) value spikes. The terminal reader measures the RSSI values and transmits them to the contactless device, which determines if the RSSI value reaches or exceeds a threshold configured for the contactless device. If the threshold is reached, the terminal reader and the contactless device establish a secure communication connection. The devices communicate via the secure communication connection, and the connection is terminated when a request to terminate is received.