Barclays acquired ABSA Bank in 2005 so we can only assume that they are utilising the technology they now already own to pioneer this in the UK.
The Phone APP: Pingit
To download the Barclays Pingit app, you need to be aged 18 or over and resident in the UK with a UK-registered mobile phone and UK current account.
Available for: Android, Blackberry and iPhone.
We tested the APP using an iPhone and had no problem installing and registering. The interface looks professional, clean and well designed and you have to set an extra Pin just for the APP giving you additional security.
You can send money to people with and without a Barclays account so we tested a transfer from a Barclays to a Non-Barclays account holder to the amount of £1. When you do the transfer you select the recipient’s phone number from your phone book or enter it manually and you both receive a SMS. The recipient then needs to register via the link on the Barclays website to receive the money.
It is good to see the technology becoming available in the UK and comforting to know South African Banks way ahead of the UK in this sector.
www.barclays.co.uk
