Technology, Culture, Commentary on the Internet Revolution

RFID: MasterCard PayPass

by Jason on July 9th, 2006

RFID is looming large in the media these days. From the ability for manufacturers and retailers to quickly track and identify merchandise, to customers being able to pay for that same merchandise or services without even showing their wallets to the public.

Dan Costa with PC Magazine, shares his personal experience in this article.

Last night I hit Pay Pass pay dirt. Waiting in line at a Yankees Stadium concession stand I saw the reader; in fact every register has a PayPass reader! Elated, I swiped and was automatically charged $42.25 for three beers, three jumbo hot dogs, and a bag of peanuts. What a bargain! I still had to sign a receipt because the purchase was greater than $25, but it did get me back to my seat faster than if I had handed over my credit card.

I’d use this type of RFID functionality if presented the opportunity. I believe applications of this type of payment system at drive-thrus, gas stations, toll booths, and pop-machines would be great. All those places, where it’s just a hassle to grab your wallet, slip your card out, swipe the card, etc., etc.

Not sure I’d ever go past the the point of carrying the little tag in my pocket, to embedding it into my hand. That just seems a little too intrusive for me. I don’t have a problem whatsoever though with shoving that little sucker under Fido or Flurry’s fur!

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POSTED IN: Emerging Tech, Mobile, RFID, Security, Wireless