Global Payments app enables merchants to accept card payments via smartphones

Global Payments, a leading worldwide provider of payment technology and software solutions, is launching a new application in Malta that turns mobile phones into payment terminals for accepting cards.

According to Global Payments statistics, people began paying more with cards during the coronavirus pandemic, and this trend persists.

“We are observing a large increase in card payments, especially among tourists, for whom it is the most natural way to pay. That’s why we’re bringing a revolutionary app to businesses in Malta that will allow them to accept card payments with their own phone, making it easier for customers to pay. Customers will no longer have to look for an ATM – they can pay conveniently with a card via the merchant’s mobile phone,” Celia Abela, Global Payments’ country manager for Malta, said.

Global Payments has now launched the application in all its European countries including Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania and Spain.

Not just a payment solution

The application, called GP tom, allows merchants to accept card payments with their mobile phone instead of the classic terminal. The app works on all phones with Android 8 operating system and an NFC chip; all transactions are processed online.

The biggest advantage of the application is that smaller merchants will no longer need a payment terminal – everything is handled by their mobile phone. The solution is so flexible that it can be used by any merchant segment or category, although it dominates in sectors like taxi drivers, couriers, boating equipment rentals, craftsmen, tradesmen and smaller shops and restaurants.

GP tom is also eco-friendly. The receipt can be sent by e-mail, text message or scanned via a QR code by the customer’s phone. If printing is required, an external printer can be easily connected.

The application can also be quickly integrated with cash register systems, which is especially attractive to entrepreneurs. The merchant will also see an overview and history of all transactions directly on their phone. Alternatively, the phone can be connected to other devices – tablet, computer or cash register – without any wires.

Thanks to the flexibility of the app, merchants can easily fine-tune app features themselves – no more calls or e-mails to hotline support. If support is needed, it is available directly within the app.

How to pay

Payment via GP tom occurs like a classic terminal. The merchant enters the amount, the customer taps a card or phone, enters the PIN and the application connects to the authorisation centre and initiates the payment. The payment is processed by Global Payments and the money credited to the merchant’s account the day after the transaction.

“Payment is not made directly on the phone and the application only collects data. Like classic card payments, the processing itself is performed by our secure centre,” Abela explained.

Floating keyboards for extra security

It is not necessary to confirm transactions up to €50 with a PIN. Above this amount, the application will request confirmation and a special floating keypad will appear on the display where the buyer will enter a PIN. The keyboard moves so it is not possible to determine data entered via fingerprints. This ensures maximum safety for shoppers as the security is even higher than on classic terminals.

There is no need to enter a PIN when paying by phone with Google Pay or Apple Pay.

The GP tom application can be downloaded from Google Play as soon as the merchant enters into an agreement with Global Payments to accept payment cards.

More information on GP tom is available at www.gptom.com/en.