PayPal is trialing a new scheme that will see customers pay with their face. No, this isn't some kind of facial recognition technology similar to Google's face unlock. Instead, PayPal is going to let you pay with your profile picture.
PayPal today announced that a new 'Local' tab in the PayPal app will help users find shops or restaurants nearby that will accept PayPal mobile payments. Users 'check in' to the store or restaurant they're patronizing and their photo and name pops up on the business's point of sale system. When it comes time to pay, the cashier simply taps the photo and the customer is charged via PayPal. The customer will also receive an alert on their phone to inform them of the charge.
"We're pleased to help local businesses of all sizes offer a new more personal experience, while never having to turn away customers who don't have enough cash on them to pay," said Now locals in Richmond can leave their wallet or purse at home and be the first in the country to use their profile picture to pay."
The system is being trialled in shops on Richmond High Street. Participating retailers include Cook & Garcia, TheFarmery, The Tea Box, The Bingham Hotel, Revolution, Caffé Paolo, The Cedar Coffee Shop, Urban Diner, Pier 1 Fish and Chips, Noble Jones, Hill Café and Knot Coffee and Pretzel.
