US Bank Trials NFC-based Mobile Payments Service
The uptake of near field communications (NFC)-based mobile payments (m-payments) in the US has been boosted by US Bank’s announcement that it will pilot an m-payments service called ‘Go Mobile’, which allows iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S users to pay for purchases at point of sale (POS) by waving their smartphone. The initial tests will take place in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Portland, Oregon.
The bank, fifth-largest in the US based on assets and fourth-largest based on the number of branches, is inviting new FlexPerks Visa customers in two cities, Portland and Salt Lake City, to be the first to use Go Mobile, and plans to roll out the service more widely later this year.
Customers who qualify for a FlexPerks Visa card and opt-in for the service will receive a customised Go Mobile iPhone case, made by DeviceFidelity, that also extends the battery life of their iPhone 4 or 4S by more than 50%, along with their new card. Both the card and the iPhone case are personalised by Datacard. The case is not yet available for the newer iPhone 5.
“We have incorporated all of the feedback we have received from prior pilots and our customer research into this latest offering and we are excited to offer US Bank Go Mobile in these two markets,” said Dominic Venturo, chief innovation officer for US Bank Payment Services.