Online payments service Paypal has partnered with retailers in the creation of its own electronic wallet, enabling customers to pay direct from their phone rather than dig out their debit card.
This follows the launch of a 2011 iPhone app for Pizza Express which allowed patrons to book tables as well as the the option to settle their bill direct from their handset, giving new meaning to the chains express claims.
Indeed the technology will allow people to pay for goods before they’ve even stepped through the door, allowing coffee drinkers (for instance) to skip the queue by ordering and paying for their chosen beverage whilst walking down the street.
Paypal has already signed agreements with 20 of the largest till makers to ensure that the technology could be compatible with as many as 90% of Britain’s retailers.
David Marcus, Paypal’s chief executive, said: “This is radically changing etiquette and established social behaviour. If we don't create an environment that clearly states that you are jumping the queue because you are using Paypal, other people in the shop will turn against you."