Orange and Barclaycard have launched the Orange Credit Card, a contactless card that the two companies describe as “the latest step in Orange and Barclaycard’s long-term strategic partnership aimed at introducing a broad range of mobile, financial and payment services to evolve the way consumers make payment transactions in the UK.”

The two companies first announced their strategic partnership in March 2009. At the time, Barclaycard CEO Antony Jenkins predicted that “all our UK customers will be able to use their mobile phones to pay for everyday items within three years.”

The new Orange Credit Card includes automated SMS alerts designed to help customers keep track of their spending. Customers can set a weekly or monthly budget and then set the alerts to trigger whenever their budget is reached. They can then choose to automatically decline transactions if they exceed the budget.

The card also includes a rewards programme, with one point being earned for every £1 spent. Rewards can then be redeemed for vouchers that can be used at high street stores, charitable donations or for tickets to events or for trips.

“A key part of our UK strategy is to grow and evolve our business, whilst at the same time provide extra value for our customers,” says Orange UK’s Marc Overton. “In partnering with Barclaycard, we believe we’re doing just that, and today’s announcement is the next exciting step in the journey to the future world of consumers paying for everyday goods on their mobile phone.”

“We are seeing demand from both retailers and customers for ever more convenient ways to pay and accept payment and believe that mobile and contactless technologies are key to meeting those needs,” added Chris Wood, managing director of Barclaycard. “This announcement shows how, in partnership with Orange, Barclaycard is starting to make mobile contactless payments a step closer for UK consumers.”

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