Austrian mobile payments group reveals new Wallet Initiative

A group of Austria's leading banks, card payment providers and related companies have joined forces to create the Austria Card 'Wallet Initiative' in order to create an open, nationwide standard for mobile wallets. The aim of the standard is to help consumers make contactless payments with their mobile phones via a mobile card as well as enabling them to use special offers by simply tapping their phone at the checkout, in much the same way they would use loyalty cards, vouchers, and coupons.
October 31, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
A group of Austria's leading banks, card payment providers and related companies have joined forces to create the Austria Card 'Wallet Initiative' in order to create an open, nationwide standard for mobile wallets.

The aim of the standard is to help consumers make contactless payments with their mobile phones via a mobile card as well as enabling them to use special offers by simply tapping their phone at the checkout, in much the same way they would use loyalty cards, vouchers, and coupons. MasterCard and Visa payments are also integrated.

The group has conducted its first tests of the near field communication (NFC)-based standard, is running a nationwide pilot project during late 2013 and aims to be market-ready in 2014. The standard is expected to be accepted across a wide range of different providers and sectors including retail, transport, ticketing, security and banking.

Mobile network operators will also offer a secure NFC-SIM card option. Members of the initiative include Austria Card, Card Complete, Drei, Erste Bank, First Data Austria, MasterCard, Nexperts, PayLife Bank, T-Mobile and Visa.

Related Content

  • Biometrics Institute addresses safety and security issues at CARTES
    November 5, 2014
    The use of biometric technology has spread rapidly in recent years, as it offers customers a simple and secure solution, whether they use it to identify themselves on smartphones, ATMs or bank branches. At CARTES SECURE CONNEXIONS 2014, international experts will discuss the most promising and innovative initiatives in this field.
    Read More
  • Road safety systems on show at ITS World Congress
    January 30, 2012
    A vast array of new products and systems for aiding road safety were displayed at the ITS World Congress in October. David Crawford assesses a selection of safety initiatives exhibited in Orlando. Vital roles for ITS applications in road traffic safety emerge clearly from a new report from the US Transportation Safety Advancement Group. The report has been carried out for the Next Generation 911 What's Next Forum, which is preparing the way for future development of the US national 911 emergency single call
    Read More
  • ABnote offers NFC bridging technology at CARTES 2013
    November 20, 2013
    ABnote’s evolution from card manufacturer to card manufacturer and provisioner of data reflects financial institutions’ own migration away from magnetic stripe to RFID and EMV technologies, says Jim Ellis, Senior Vice President, North America.
    Read More
  • Masabi enters partnership to make India’s public transport more convenient
    April 19, 2018
    Mobile ticketing company Masabi and provider of journey planning Chalo will combine their resources to create a solution that aims to make public transport in India more convenient for passengers. Additionally, the partnership intends to enable public transport operators to offer smarter digital ticketing solutions to commuters and facilitate a seamless ticketing experience through mobile devices.
    Read More

Highlighted Content