MSE News: 'Mobile wallets' plan outlined

nickmack

gjchester wrote: »

Has to be one universal system not a bundle of them (ie Paypal, Googles, Oyster, Barclays) and so on or its going to fail.

I also understand that the "control" of that chip is an issue, is it the phone provider, network or bank who controls access to what can and can not access the data.

Having a single system is a problem, that is currently hindering the growth of contactless payment. Being easy to add funds is going to be important and being more widely accepted in retailers.

This Boku appears to be taping an NFC chip onto a mobile, but I can't really see on the website how it works with merchants.

I have Google Wallet on my phone and that works where you can use contactless payment (although you can't currently top up the funds after your free $10). I'm happy that it's secure enough. NFC is only enabled when the screen is on, I have a PIN on the device to unlock, the phone is encrypted, you need a PIN to carry out the transaction and this is also encrypted.

23n1th

nickmack wrote: »

Having a single system is a problem, that is currently hindering the growth of contactless payment. Being easy to add funds is going to be important and being more widely accepted in retailers.

This Boku appears to be taping an NFC chip onto a mobile, but I can't really see on the website how it works with merchants.

I have Google Wallet on my phone and that works where you can use contactless payment (although you can't currently top up the funds after your free $10). I'm happy that it's secure enough. NFC is only enabled when the screen is on, I have a PIN on the device to unlock, the phone is encrypted, you need a PIN to carry out the transaction and this is also encrypted.

This isn't a criticism of yourself I'm just trying to understand the system.

Currently with a card I:

1. Remove card from wallet place it into reader
2. Enter pin
3. Take goods.

With google wallet and NFC I would (assuming I'm understanding you correctly:

1. Remove phone from pocket
2. Unlock phone (pin or pattern)
3. Swipe/Tap phone on receiver
4. Enter pin
5. Take goods

Doesn't seem any quicker or more convenient.

banger9365

whats wrong with hand in pocket pull money out and pay and take change and you can only spend what you have on you simples
never mind messing with cards and mobiles phone use real money

callum9999

banger9365 wrote: »

whats wrong with hand in pocket pull money out and pay and take change and you can only spend what you have on you simples
never mind messing with cards and mobiles phone use real money

What's wrong with bartering with the assistant in HMV with a bag of apples you've grown in your back garden?

1. I don't want a pocket full of change.
2. I don't want to restrict my spending to what money I have on me.

While I can see why you wouldn't want to mess around with a phone, how can you possibly not see the possible advantages of cards over cash?

jenniewb

This idea would worry me if I had to use it. Phones go missing and also can easily be stolen, I'd bet there would be an increse in the number of reported mobile phone thefts, primarily because stealing a mobile would become an even more attractive option. Someone gets the mobile they not only get the handset, they also get the opportunity to commit fraud too.

If someone takes a mobile after the banks have closed, what do you do to cancel the cards? Wait for the 2 hour journey home (my journey takes 2 hours) to find multiple amounts have been taken- yes the banks would refund on theft but at what cost? The money would have to come from somewhere and I don't think its going to come from the bankers bonuses for a start!

jrawle

Azari wrote: »

Does anyone know why they abandoned making Oyster cards more widely usable?

They are a proven system that works brilliantly so it is a great shame that they cannot be used for other small purchases.

I think the reason was partly red tape. If they started handling general payments, TfL would have to register as a bank and be regulated by the FSA, pay into the FSCS, etc. That would be too much trouble, so they stuck to paying for journeys.

andyroberts1967

This isn't going to work for me any better than having cash or cards does. I always carry a debit card for unplanned purchases, and I carry cash for small buys in places like newsagents, coffee shops etc. I don't see a place for this technology in my life. And I don't see what it has to do with cellphones either. I'd rather have a debit card that has contactless technology, forget about the link with the phone.

gjchester

Azari wrote: »

Does anyone know why they abandoned making Oyster cards more widely usable?

TFL don't own the Oyster card it's owned / managed by someone else, and I assume the charges and cost are too high to be worth it.