Barclays has launched another new feature to its mobile app, Barclays Pingit, giving large businesses such as insurance companies, retailers and utility companies the ability to pay individuals using their mobile phone numbers.

Businesses can now send payments using an individual’s mobile phone number instead of using, or having to hold their banking or card details.

Large businesses can use Barclays’ existing File Gateway channel to quickly, easily and securely send electronic payments directly into an individual’s Barclays Pingit account, which is open to both Barclays and non-Barclays customers. 

Barclays is the first bank in the UK to offer this service, which provides Pingit users with immediate payment, SMS notifications and in-app access to transactions. 

The ‘send a payment’ offers, Barclays believe, a real and viable alternative to the manual and paper based processes, without needing to seek sensitive account information from individuals.

Service reach
Payments can reach any UK mobile phone number, regardless of whether they are already registered Barclays Pingit users. Non-registered users will be notified by text message with details of how to register to receive payment.

Corporate user
CEGA, award-winning providers of global claims and travel risk management, medical assistance and air ambulance services, have already chosen to use the Barclays Pingit ‘send a payment’ offering. “Barclays Pingit rewards our search for progressive ways to constantly improve customer service and fast track claims,” says Warwick Hoddy, CEGA’s Financial Director. “It offers our customers a faster alternative to BACS payments, minimises the need to share personal information and satisfies the increasing desire to interact by mobile phone; putting us at the forefront of technology in the claims arena.” 

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The applications for mobile payments continue to expand rapidly. The growing consumer preference for mobile based services will drive demand and acceptance of receiving payments via mobile. ‘Send a payment’ could cut your costs dramatically and at the same time improve customer service and responsiveness. A win-win if ever there was one.