QNB, Qtel launch NFC payments in Qatar
07 March, 2012
category: NFC, Smart Cards
Qatar National Bank (QNB) and local teleco Qtel have teamed up to launch Qatar’s first commercially available NFC payments service.
Powered by MasterCard and Oberthur Technologies, the service enables QNB and Qtel customers to make everyday purchases of up to QR100 ($27.50) with just a tap of their NFC-enabled mobile phone.
QNB customers can use either a Qtel NFC SIM or an NFC-enabled PayPass sticker affixed to their existing mobile phone to make payments via their QNB MasterCard credit card account. Existing phone models with embedded NFC, such as the Blackberry 9900 and 9790, may also be used when integrated with the QNB payment application.
According to QNB, payments can now be made at PayPass-enabled merchant terminals nationwide at locations such as cinemas, coffee shops, fast food restaurants, and major mall food courts.
Oberthur, which provides QNB’s chip personalization service, developed the payments application on the Qtel NFC-enabled SIM and on the MasterCard PayPass sticker.
Customers can visit QNB’s branches at City Center, The Mall, Villagio or Landmark to receive a free NFC SIM or sticker. Those who opt for the SIM will also be able to swap their old SIM for the new NFC SIM card at the closest Qtel shop.