Barclays completes HCE payments launch

Barclays Contactless Mobile

Barclays has completed the rollout of its Contactless Mobile host card emulation (HCE) based mobile payment service across the UK, the bank has confirmed to NFC World. The feature allows customers with compatible Android phones to make NFC mobile payments of up to £100 (US$147).

“When we announced Contactless Mobile in May, we said the rollout would be phased,” Barclays said. “The rollout of Contactless Mobile to Barclays customers is now complete.”

In addition to making one-tap payments of up to £30 without a PIN, consumers will be able to use Contactless Mobile to make payments from £30 to £100 if the retailer is set up to accept contactless transactions in this range.

“When you make these payments, you’ll need to hold your mobile over the reader, enter your normal card PIN on your phone and then hold your device over the reader again,” the bank explains. “To set up and start using Contactless Mobile, you’ll need the latest version of the Barclays Mobile Banking app installed on your phone.

“If you have an eligible card and compatible device, Contactless Mobile will appear automatically on the app menu. Eligible Barclays debit cards and Barclaycard credit cards are automatically shown in the app, meaning there is no need to enter card details.

“Your phone can be your [travel] ticket too — just tap it on the reader. If you want to see more about your journeys, you can register your details online with Transport for London (TfL). The information you’ll need to register can be found under Contactless Mobile, then Account Details in your mobile banking app.”

The bank unveiled it was to add HCE to its mobile banking app last month. The service will coexist alongside the Contactless Mobile HCE payment function that was added to the Barclaycard app in January 2016.

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