The Bank of America has started a pilot program that involves wireless payments using customers’ BlackBerry Phones. Mobile Wallet, the system relies on NFC technology and is so far only compatible with BlackBerry handsets. Bank of America sends users an NFC chip-equipped battery cover for their handset along with a microSD card.
Compatible handsets include the Curve 8520 and 8530; the Bold 9000, 9650 and 9700; and the BlackBerry Tour 9630. The program launches this spring and payments can be made in locations where MasterCard’s PayPass is accepted.
Android 2.3 has support for NFC built-in which the new Google Nexus S sports. RIM has already stated that many upcoming BlackBerries will have NFC as stock part of the phone. The next iPhone is expected to have the NFC too.
