Orange and Barclaycard bring NFC smartphone payments to the high street

Orange and Barclaycard have launched their long-awaited partnership to bring NFC payments to UK high-street stores. Called “Quick Tap”, users can make purchases of up to £15 with the system, with stores such as Eat, Subway and Pret A Manger already supporting the payment system.

A Quick Tap app for Android handsets gives users all the information relating to their transactions, with electronic statements provided, with security measures such as optional PIN entry and fraud guarantee from Barclaycard also included.

However, so far only one handset is supported by the Quick Tap scheme, the Samsung Tocco Lite, available on PAYG and monthly contract plans from Orange. A more robust range is planned for the near future.