Suretap’s mobile wallet technology has gotten a big shot in the arm, with wireless carriers Bell, Rogers, Telus, Koodo and Virgin Mobile, as well as CIBC all announcing support for the smartphone payments platform.
Initially developed by Rogers, the new Suretap wallet allows smartphone users to make secure mobile payments using virtual and encrypted credit cards and gift cards wherever contactless payments are accepted. Support for debit cards and loyalty cards as well as digital coupons is coming soon.
Bell, Rogers, Telus, Koodo and Virgin Mobile will support the Suretap wallet across more than 30 Android and BlackBerry smartphones, with more devices to follow later in the year. CIBC’s support also expands the number of credit card options available through the app, which allows users to view their transaction history and track their spending.
“Suretap has gained and continues to gain substantial support and participation from a growing ecosystem of Canadian companies that embrace our application’s open and technology agnostic model,” said Jeppe Dorff, president of Suretap, in a statement. “Together, we are creating a win-win proposition for banks, merchants, and service providers—but most importantly, for the Canadian consumer. Millions of Canadians will now be able to enjoy the convenience of carrying this secure mobile payment experience on their smartphone wherever they go.”
The Suretap solution requires an NFC-enabled smartphone to be used. The customer holds the device against a payment terminal to make a payment, and can also use QR/barcodes to redeem gift cards. Today, 38 different credit cards are supported, as well as 30 gift cards, including Jack Astor’s, Swiss Chalet, Indigo and Cineplex.
“At CIBC, we’re focused on providing our clients with banking and payments solutions that fit their lives,” said Todd Roberts, senior vice-president, cards and payments innovation at CIBC, in a statement. “Our partnership with Suretap gives our clients choice when it comes to paying with their smartphone and builds on our commitment to delivering the payments solutions that reflect where are our clients’ needs are today and where they are going in the future.”
Donna Ramirez, senior communications manager with Telus, told ITBusiness.ca that supporting Suretap, along with the bank mobile payment applications it already supports, will let customers choose the mobile payment solution that’s right for them.
“Telus is obsessed with improving the customer experience and helping customers maximize the use of their smartphones with value added services that make their lives easier,” said Ramirez. “With Suretap, Telus is enabling its customers to take the next step in mobile wallet transactions while offering an experience that is secure, simple and convenient.”
Jeppe added that, as Suretap moves towards its goal of being the digital wallet that replaces all your loyalty cards, and allowing for customized coupons and offers, it will make it easier and more effective for banks and merchants to offer greater value to their customers.