A NEW payment system that allows businesses to accept credit card payments using mobile or fixed-line telephones will be launched by EftNet on 1 March.
EftNet managing director Marc Abonnel said the 13-PAID system was the first of its kind in the world.
“It’s will certainly cause a stir in the market,” Mr Abonnel said.
“The system has solved a problem for businesses that have been unable to cost-justify buying fixed or mobile eftpos units.
“It can be used by sole traders and small businesses such as tradesmen, lawnmowing services – anyone that’s out on the road.”
Mr Abonnel said apart from a $30 join-up fee there were no ongoing monthly charges.
He said 13-PAID was a user pays system with a small transaction fee each time it is used.
“The system solves a problem for banks by removing paper-based transactions,” Mr Abonnel said.
“The system allows card verification on the spot and processing time is twenty-four to forty-eight hours,” he said.
BankWest head of emerging business Marcus Stafford said the service promised to make available to a whole new market credit card payment systems previously out of reach.
The service is targeted at low-volume users and should be popular with seasonal businesses that would normally incur costs for the months they are trading.
