PayPal Tests Payments Authorised By A Photo

PayPal has launched a trial in Richmond, London where people can use just an app and their face to authorise a payment.

Customers can check in to an outlet by clicking on its name within the app. Their name and photo appear on the shop’s payment system.

The customer then simply swipes down on their device when they want to make a payment and the in-store assistant uses their smartphone or tablet to confirm it.

Whilst making life easier for the customer, the personal facial recognition touch limits the chances of fraud. The apps are available on iOS, Android and Windows Phone.

PayPal pushing for wallet-less high street

“This is another step on the journey towards a wallet-less high street, where customers will be able to leave their wallet or purse at home and pay using their phone or tablet. We predict that by 2016 this will become a reality,” said Rob Harper, head of retail services at PayPal.

Richard Garcia, owner and proprietor of the Cook and Garcia café on The Quadrant opposite Richmond station, added: “We’ve been using PayPal’s check in service within the business for several months, and have found it really efficient.

“Customers don’t have to worry about having cards, cash or change, just their phones – it is the quickest transaction through the till, which means less queues and we never have to turn down a sale, both of which are great for business.”

Thanks to fresh competition from the likes of Square, PayPal is having to innovate in the in-store payments space. Earlier this year, it launched PayPal Here, a smartphone-based payment system, featuring apps and a card reader.

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