Cashing in on the ever-expanding capabilities of mobile devices BNP Paribas Fortis is now launching a new payment acceptance solution that will enable merchants to accept debit and credit card payments through their smartphone.    

The new service includes a mobile phone app and a secure, pocket-sized, card reader which connects  to a smartphone using Bluetooth. The merchant will enter the amount to be paid via the smartphone app while the customer will insert his debit or credit card in the card reader and enter his PIN code. Roll-out is scheduled to take place from the end of the first quarter of 2013.

Like for any other card payments, transactions effected using the new payment acceptance solution will be credited into the merchant’s bank account. This innovative and mobile solution makes it possible to accept payments on the spot, hence, it will prove more accessible than traditional payment terminals. It will be compatible with all bank cards currently used in Belgium.

Merchants wishing to take advantage of this innovative solution or to be kept posted on any updates can freely register online through www.bnpparibasfortis.be/smartphonebetaling in Dutch or www.bnpparibasfortis.be/paiementavecsmartphone in French.  

As part of this initiative, BNP Paribas Fortis has finalised a partnership with Ingenico which will provide a full solution ranging from providing secured card readers to processing transactions. BNP Paribas Fortis will also rely on the capabilities of easycash Belgium and ROAM, both Ingenico subsidiaries.

BNP Paribas Fortis has been investing heavily in apps for mobile devices that make it easy for customers to conduct a range of banking activities while on the go. This new payment acceptance solution will also enable customers to monitor their payments more closely and will support an expanding range of new services. It marks a major effort to harness fast-moving digital technologies and unrestricted mobile access to BNP Paribas Fortis’ interactions with its customers.

Commenting on the deal, Peter Vandekerckhove, Head of Retail & Private Banking, said: “Through this innovative product, BNP Paribas Fortis offers merchants a mobile payment solution that is both secure and easily accessible for customers.”  

Pierre-Antoine Vacheron, Executive Vice President Ingenico SEPA/Europe, added: “Ingenico is happy to be involved with the particularly innovative project by BNP Paribas Fortis aiming to launch a secured mobile payment offer that meets the needs of both merchants and customers.”