Will That Be Credit, Debit, or Cellphone?

Next-gen tech gives cash-free shoppers more options

By Sam Biddle, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 7, 2007 4:41 PM CDT

(Newser) – Shoppers in the not-too-distant future may have a new option when they get to the checkout line: their cell phones. Many retailers are warming up to the idea of consumers using "contactless" payment methods—cellphones or cards with a built-in wireless chips that can process transactions with a simple tap, the San Jose Mercury News reports.

Some 300,000 no-longer-cash registers can already handle contactless payments. Retailers, though eager for speedier transactions, have not yet figured out how—or how soon—they'll collaborate with banks and wireless providers. Still, one start-up founder says, "The iPhone has shown that if it's compelling enough everyone will play ball."

Cellular South project manager Steve Davidson demonstrates new technology that will allow users to make credit-card purchases and even buy candy bars out of a vending machine with a phone call or signal... (Associated Press)

(Associated Press)

Signs for American Express, Master Card and Visa credit cards are shown on a New York store's door on Monday, July 23, 2007. (Associated Press)

A customer using their cell phone for payment. (Associated Press)

(Associated Press)

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Will That Be Credit, Debit, or Cellphone?

Next-gen tech gives cash-free shoppers more options

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iPhone Gunning for Your Credit Card

Apple devices to beam consumer information

Holiday Shoppers Ditched Credit Cards

Most used cash or debit cards to snag bargains

Women Drive Recovery, But Dissed By Retail

Biz approach to females: take 'a male product and paint it pink'

Target Will Pay Shoppers to Bring Their Own Bags

Large retailers join smaller niche stores to offer rebates for reusing

Debit Card Overdrafts Bring Banks Billions

Fees make credit card shopping look like the smarter thing to do

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Will That Be Credit, Debit, or Cellphone?

Next-gen tech gives cash-free shoppers more options

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

retail • cell phones • shopping • bank • credit card • smart card

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

iPhone Gunning for Your Credit Card

Apple devices to beam consumer information

Holiday Shoppers Ditched Credit Cards

Most used cash or debit cards to snag bargains

Women Drive Recovery, But Dissed By Retail

Biz approach to females: take 'a male product and paint it pink'

Target Will Pay Shoppers to Bring Their Own Bags

Large retailers join smaller niche stores to offer rebates for reusing

Debit Card Overdrafts Bring Banks Billions

Fees make credit card shopping look like the smarter thing to do

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Newser By Users

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