From today, the world’s busiest arena, The O2, is rolling out contactless technology across more than 250 card payment terminals. The introduction of the speedy payment system, in partnership with Barclaycard and Visa Europe, will enable revellers to benefit from shorter queues at bars, restaurants and merchandise stands within The O2 itself and at other quick pay terminals, such as car parks.
Contactless is the technology which enables consumers to pay for goods under the value of £15 by simply holding a contactless-enabled card or mobile phone over a reader to make payment. On show nights 75% of electronic transactions processed in the arena’s concessions are under £15 therefore the technology’s speed will help reduce queues, enabling fun-seekers to spend more time enjoying themselves and less time waiting in line.
Richard Armstrong, head of payment acceptance at Barclaycard says of the deal:
“The hospitality sector with high volume low value transactions, and often lengthy queues, is the perfect environment for a technology that makes it quicker and easier for people to make payments. As a result, we’re confident that contactless technology will prove popular with visitors to The O2 Arena.”
Barclays, Barclaycard and Visa Europe have been the leading forces behind contactless in the UK. Since 2007, they have, together, issued over 15 million contactless debit and credit cards and put contactless terminals in more than 56,000 retail outlets.
Alex Hill, Senior Executive Director and Finance Director of AEG Europe, owner and operator of The O2 says of the move: “Our aim is to give our customers the best time possible from the moment they arrive at The O2. Contactless will play a key part in improving our guests’ experiences by speeding up the payment process and reducing queue times, giving everyone more time to enjoy the unique and electric atmosphere of The O2 on a show night.”
Sport fanatics will be able to use their contactless debit and credit cards at The O2 this week as they watch the world’s top tennis players compete at the Barclay’s ATP World Tour Finals. To encourage the use of contactless, anyone who makes a payment at participating retailers in the arena will receive a free tube of HEAD tennis balls.
About contactless
Contactless payment enables customers to make a purchase of £15 or less without the need to sign or enter a pin. Barclays and Barclaycard are leading the way in introducing contactless and there are now over 15.3 million contactless-enabled Barclaycards and Barclays debit cards, helping retailers reduce queuing and cut the cost of card transactions. In line with its history of providing customers with innovative payment forms, Barclaycard launched the UK’s first contactless mobile phone, in partnership with Orange, in May 2011.
Barclays and Barclaycard are the leading providers of contactless terminals in the UK and users can make contactless payments at over 56,000 stores across the UK including Prêt A Manger, Subway and EAT.
To find out more about Contactless payment, visit www.barclaycard.co.uk/contactless/ or www.Barclays.co.uk/contactless
About Barclays
Barclays is a major global financial services provider engaged in personal banking, credit cards, corporate and investment banking, and wealth and investment management.
With over 300 years of history and expertise in banking, Barclays operates in over 50 countries and employs over 140,000 people. Barclays moves, lends, invests and protects money for customers and clients worldwide.
For further information about Barclays, please visit our website
www.barclays.com.
Barclaycard, part of Barclays Retail and Business Banking, is a leading global payment business which helps consumers, retailers and businesses to make and accept payments flexibly, and to access short-term credit when needed.
The company is one of the pioneers of new forms of payments and is at the forefront of developing viable contactless and mobile payment schemes for today and cutting edge forms of payment for the future. It also issues credit and charge cards to corporate customers and the UK Government. Barclaycard partners with a wide range of organisations across the globe to offer their customers or members payment options and credit.
In addition to the UK, Barclaycard operates in the United States, Europe and Africa.
Key facts published in February 2012;
- number of customers: 23.5m
- number of retailer/merchant relationships: 87,000
Barclays.com