The new program aims to enable users to “tap-and-pay” for their purchases at the physical point-of-sale (POS) using BlingNations’ BlingTag, a quarter-sized microchip sticker that adheres to the back of their mobile phone to enable debit transactions directly from their account. Through the new partnership, consumers will be able to purchase goods via alternative payment methods, including PayPal and direct debit of bank accounts, while automatically receiving account balance updates and instant rewards through a loyalty program.
Bling Nation is distributing the contactless/NFC-enabled VeriFone VX 810 Duet for countertops and wireless VX 680 to participating merchants as fully-functional “Blingers” that accept tap-and-pay payments from consumers using BlingTags.
After the completion of the introductory program, VeriFone has revealed plans to enhance its PAYware Connect transaction gateway service to allow PAYware merchants to consolidate traditional and alternative payment methods on a single card acceptance device. The VeriFone, Bling and PayPal X platform-based service will be available to over 350 existing PAYware Connect resellers.
Most recently, Bling Nation has started a collaboration with the municipalities of Palo Alto and Lamar, two cities located in the US. According to the agreement, residents of each city will gain access to Bling Nations tap-and-pay payments services, via their mobile handsets, in order to pay their utility bills and long-term parking, as well as parking fine fees for those in Palo Alto.
The cooperative initiative has been sparked by the introductory program launched by Bling Nation in partnership with PayPal in Palo Alto in August 2010. The scheme aimed to enable more than 2,000 PayPal employees and other users to pay for their purchases in a way similar to debit payments.
Every day we send out a free e-mail with the most important headlines of the last 24 hours.
Subscribe now