Barclays is launching the UK’s first contactless mobile cash service

The service is initially being piloted in the North before rolling out to over 180 Barclays branches in the New Year. „It will be available on over 600 in-branch machines, allowing customers to withdraw cash with just a tap of their Android smartphone or contactless debit card.”, says the bank in a press release.

There are three different ways customers will be able to use this service:

Android Smartphone – Insert amount and PIN on Barclays Mobile Banking and tap to withdraw
Those in a hurry can save time by logging in to their Barclays Mobile Banking app to pre-select the amount of cash they want to withdraw and insert their PIN. They then have 30 seconds to tap their phone against the contactless reader on the in-branch machine, which will automatically dispense their cash.

Android Smartphone or Contactless Debit Card – Tap and complete on machine

Barclays customers with an Android smartphone or contactless debit card only need to tap their phone/card against the contactless reader, before entering their PIN on the machine and withdrawing their cash as normal.

Whilst giving many customers access to cash using only their smartphone, the bank says that  Contactless Cash also boasts increased security. „Whether using your smartphone or card, it removes the risk of magnetic card skimming and distraction fraud, as the device never needs to leave your hand.”

Ashok Vaswani, CEO of Barclays UK, says: “Our customers now expect to be able to use their smartphone to make their everyday purchases. We want taking out cash to be just as easy. With Contactless Cash customers can quickly and securely take-out money with just a tap of their smartphone – a first for the UK.”

Source: Barclays