http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17057570
http://www.barclays.co.uk/PersonalBa...id=301RDpingit

An interesting 'cash transfer' APP.
Watch out Paypal?

I've harvested loads of mobile numbers from vans and ads for local plumbers, decorators, builders and sparkies.
Should be quids in soon! Well, I assume the security has a few checks built in to stop that.

Saw some items on the news about this a few weeks ago.

With the declining use of the cheque, it's a good idea for paying tradesmen etc, especially as they can confirm the payment pretty much instantly.

I also like the idea for personal use. If I pay for something on my card for a group of people, I don't actually want the cash from people. What I really want is the money in my account. If it can be done quickly and easily using a mobile phone, I think that's a good idea.

How much are you planning to send them?

I've used Pingit a few times already and it's excellent.

I like the fact it's instant from one account to another.

I know someone who works at Barclays and they're already looking at how it can be used to its full potential within businesses etc.

It needs other banks to get on board with being able to send money as well as receive it, if it's going to really take off.

Umm, nothing. I was jokingly suggesting I would register their numbers andwhen the customer paid it would go to my account. No doubt there I'd a step to prevent this.

Ah, I see what you mean! Presume you have to register from the number itself, if you see what I mean.

it seems great (it texts you a code when registering so you can't just put any number). I'm going to offer it to customers as a means of payment as you can get it for business accounts as well. But perfect for "how do we split the bill" "let me just put £20 in your account, done"

Any transfer fees. (yet)

I've not used it but I can see some advantages for me doing so.

Exactly. It really is good for stuff like that when you don't really want cash, you want the money in your account. But as I said, we need all banks to have the ability to send money, not just receive it.

No fees involved, and other bank's customers will be able to make payments from 20th March.

FYI, I had an email from Barclays CS today. Implementation of the Pingit App for non-Barclays customers has 'encountered technical difficulties' and there is currently 'no firm date for its release' !

I've not actually made a transfer with it yet!

So if they're struggling with other banks, that means that anyone can receive payments but only Barclays folks can send them. Shame. I prefer the money going the other way

I'm willing to help you paul. I have sent you my number just pop a couple of hundred quid over and I'll let you know if I've got it ok.

Anyone heard anything further about this?

Yep.

Its now been updated to include anyone with a UK bank account and a UK mobile number.

Just got the update on my iphone there.

sweet. tealady, perhaps you'd be willing to oblige me now?

'Fraid not, according to the market The app works on Android 2.2 but will not work on rooted devices
Why? OK, I accept there must be a reason, but what is it?

IMHO this isn't worth bothering with for non-Barclays account holders. In order to facilitate payments from your phone they set up a wallet account which you have to pre-load with funds. You also have to go to your nearest Barclays to prove you exist before you can use it. Couldn't be arsed quite frankly.

Cheers!

prob same reason as a lot of DRM won't work. Its seen as less secure and Barclays don't want to deal with some dodgy software giving away all your money.

where's the "go into a branch to prove you exist" bit?

http://ask.barclays.co.uk/help/pingi...countforpingit


Opening effectively a separate account for it is a poor implementation, but not that much worse than receiving money via paypal. (Sending money via paypal is great, and should be what pingit aims for)

Thanks, I guessed 'security' as an issue but not sure what the issue is. Not clear either what the difference is between running some software on your pc with full rights and running a rooted phone. Both will be issues for the unwary.

When you go through the registration process having installed the app on your phone, the last stage says you have to take some ID such as a driving licence or utility bill to your nearest branch of Barclays. Mind you, it does have a button that will help you find it!

TBH the feature that is the real killer for me is having to pre-load the wallet account - who's going to bother/remember to do that? Why can't it be linked to a bank account to automatically top up, like when I buy Lottery tix on my phone or pay using PayPal?