O2 is launching its own mobile payments service that will allow payments by users on all phone networks.
The service comes in a free app that brings together several different forms of mobile payment. Users register a debit or credit card with the application and can then use it for spending on the move. However, they'll need to "load" the app with cash before spending, in a similar way to a pre-paid card.
The app allows so-called "tap and pay" or contactless payments at around 100,000 retail locations in the UK. However, as most phones don't have the necessary chips, users will need to ask for a special physical card from O2, which seems to somewhat undermine the point of this feature.
Another part of the service, available to all mobile phone users who can access the internet on their handset, is the ability to transfer money to anyone with a phone number simply by sending a message.
For those with smartphones the service app also allows users to scan barcodes of products in shops and check whether online retailer offer a better
The service comes in a free app that brings together several different forms of mobile payment. Users register a debit or credit card with the application and can then use it for spending on the move. However, they'll need to "load" the app with cash before spending, in a similar way to a pre-paid card.
The app allows so-called "tap and pay" or contactless payments at around 100,000 retail locations in the UK. However, as most phones don't have the necessary chips, users will need to ask for a special physical card from O2, which seems to somewhat undermine the point of this feature.
Another part of the service, available to all mobile phone users who can access the internet on their handset, is the ability to transfer money to anyone with a phone number simply by sending a message.
For those with smartphones the service app also allows users to scan barcodes of products in shops and check whether online retailer offer a better
