Asda and Sainsbury's team up with Zapp to launch mobile payments in 2015

Several major UK retailers and companies have announced support for Zapp, which means shoppers will be able to make payments using their smartphones. Zapp is an upcoming mobile payment gateway and platform that plans to offer a new way for consumers to pay for goods and services. The UK service will launch three mobile apps – Android, iOS and Windows Phone – to enable said smartphone owners to make payments without having to take out their wallet.

Zapp has been working with major companies in the UK, including Sainsbury's, Asda, House of Fraser, Thomas Cook, Clarks, Anglian Water and Shop Direct (Littlewoods, Very.co.uk, etc.). Leading UK banks are also backing the service with HSBC, first direct, Nationwide, Santander and Metro Bank named as Zapp supporters. What makes Zapp easy to use is how the service works in-between the bank and retailer, enabling consumers to quickly make payments without having to worry about managing and transferring funds.

Zapp will then invest in launching the brand in the UK market, supported by the marketing efforts of its financial and retail partners. The launch will be underpinned by an awareness raising campaign from Zapp and its backers, supported by tens of millions of pounds in advertising and promotional activity. This will include a consumer education campaign, above the line advertising and promotional activity at the point of sale.

Expect to see Zapp launch in the UK next year. Be sure to check out the official Zapp website, as well as the PDF linked below for more details on the upcoming payment gateway.

Source: Zapp (.PDF), via: Engadget

Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.