O2 launches its mobile wallet in the UK

Wireless operator O2 has launched its long-awaited mobile wallet. The O2 wallet functionality includes P2P payments, barcode searches for online price comparison shopping, daily discounts from major retailers (including Debenhams, Comet, Sainsbury's Direct, and Tesco Direct), debit card and cash onboarding, and a Visa pre-paid card for online and high street shopping.

Additional functionality will soon enable consumers to use O2 Wallet to top-up mobile airtime, buy train tickets and make mobile contactless payments via NFC technology, according to O2 Money’s managing director, James Le Brocq.

"O2 Wallet delivers the benefits of mobile money to more UK consumers than any other product or service currently available," he says. "With O2 Wallet, it's easier to transfer money, track expenditure and pay swiftly and securely, all using your mobile. We believe it will transform the way people manage their finances and spend money."