Visa Testing Contactless iPhone Payment Solution In Europe

[Maura]

Computerworld reports today that Visa Europe has begun testing a contactless iPhone payment solution in Europe. In order to use the payment system, the iPhone user must first attach a Wireless Dynamics iCarte accessory (available from their bank or mobile operator), to their iPhone. The device contains an antenna and an embedded Secure Element where the Visa mobile card is safely stored. The “card” then works with an app from the App Store to enable payments on the iPhone. Once the Visa mobile card is activated, users can start making payments by launching the app and touching their iPhone on any contactless-enabled point of sale terminal across Europe, without having to enter their PIN.

Sandra Alzetta, SVP, Head of Innovation at Visa Europe said: “It’s clear from trials across Europe that mobile contactless payment is a strong and compelling customer proposition. Visa recognises that consumers who use smart phones like iPhone are more likely to be early adopters of advanced payment technology. Given that the availability of a wide range of mobile devices supporting contactless services remains a key hurdle for take-up, we are overcoming this by bringing the capability to the iPhones already in their pockets.”

No word as yet as to the exact date when the iCarte app and accessory will be available worldwide. It’s currently being used by Visa staff in London, with its first public outing to be in Turkey, where customers of the Yapi Kredi bank will have access to 40, 000 point of sale terminals.

Sources: Visa begins iPhone 'iWallet' payment tests in Europe - Computerworld Blogs, Visa Europe