Zapp, the mobile payments venture set up by VocaLink and due to launch in 2015, has announced tie ups with a number of retailers. Asda, Sainsbury’s, House of Fraser, Thomas Cook and Shop Direct (including the very.co.uk, Littlewoods, Isme, Woolworths.co.uk and K&Co brands) have backed the venture. Other retail and biller partners include: Clarks, Dune, Spar, Best Western Hotels (GB), Starstock, QD Stores, Anglian Water, Bristol & Wessex Water, Sutton and East Surrey Water. Support from the charity sector through Oxfam and Charities Aid Foundation has been previously announced.

Zapp also has in its corner such payment providers as Verifone, Klarna, Touch Go, Siemens, Apogee International, Vix Technologies, Global Charge, Just Desire and RSL. And banks including HSBC, first direct, Nationwide, Santander and Metro Bank, who combined provide current accounts to over 18 million people in the UK. Additionally, almost all major UK acquirers and PSPs are supporting Zapp, including Worldpay, Elavon, Optimal Payments, SagePay, Realex, TrustPay Global and Checkout.com.

The offering bypasses the card networks and offers real-time payments on consumers' mobile phones through their existing mobile banking application via the Faster Payments service.

Jon Rudoe, digital and technology director at Sainsbury’s, says: “We know that the way that our customers shop is changing and we’re always looking at new and innovative ways to improve the experience. We’re one of the first retailers to sign up to Zapp to give our customers a quick, secure and convenient option to pay – both online and at the till.”

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