Community State Bank has introduced a new payment method thus allowing its customers to use their mobile phones to tap and pay for purchases at the point of sales via Bling Nation, a provider of mobile payments services that connect financial institutions, businesses and consumers.
Customers with a full-service checking or Bling Only account at the Colorado-based Community State Bank can sign up for a BlingTag, a quarter-sized microchip sticker that adheres to the back of their mobile phone to enable debit transactions directly from their account.
The BlingTag gives users their real-time account balance each time they make a purchase, which means there are no overdraft charges or fees. Since the tag does not store any personal information, it is more secure than traditional plastic cards and reduces the risk of identity theft.
Kirk Crespin, information technology and information security officer for Community State Bank, said: “Now, with Bling Nation’s tap and pay service through mobile phones, our personal and business customers can make and receive payments with greater ease and less risk of fraud or theft.”
Rod Stambaugh, general manager of West region for Bling Nation, said: “Bling Nation offers a more attractive alternative for small businesses than a traditional credit or debit card transaction because our network is more efficient, involving fewer payment processing parties. This allows us to pass along greater savings to local businesses, who can create more satisfied, loyal shoppers.”