Apple does not allow developers to interact with the internal NFC chip at this moment.
Currently the only extendable Apple SDK for this type of system is Wallet (formerly PassBook). If your local transport station has an option to scan barcodes you can use third party tools to add your transportation pass barcode to Wallet.
It all depends on where you create your apple id. If you create a new one its possible without a creditcard if you do it in iTunes.
Open iTunes, then go to the iTunes Store by clicking the iTunes Store button at the top of the window.
Scroll down and find the country flag in the lower-right corner of the window. If it's not the flag of the country where you live, click it and choose your country or region.
Go to the App Store, Music, TV Shows, or Books section of the store by clicking on one of the icons in the upper-left corner.
Download a free app, song, video, or book. To find free items, look in the right column of the window and click any link that includes the word "Free," such as "Free on iTunes" or "Top Free." When you find a free item, click Get beneath its icon.
When you're asked to sign in with an Apple ID, click Create Apple ID.
Follow the onscreen instructions. When you're asked for payment information, choose None as the payment type. See what to do if None isn't showing or you can't select it.
After you enter all of the information required, you'll be asked to verify your Apple ID by email. You must verify your Apple ID before you can begin using it.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204034
I just wish you wouldn't do it for Pokemon =)
Best Answer
NFC detection is available to app developers on iPhone for some years since iOS 11.
I use it for hardware authorization with yubikeys and 1Password app.
Apple hardware can scan for NFC and then take whatever action the developers code up for the apps.