Credit Agricole launches mobile contactless payment pilot in Caen

Credit Agricole, in partnership with Visa Europe, is launching a six-month pilot program in Caen, France, to test mobile contactless payment technology. Running from December 2011 through June 2012, the project involves 200 participants using a specialized MicroSD card to enable NFC functionality on iPhones.

The system allows users to make contactless purchases of up to 20 euros at retailers equipped with Visa-compatible terminals. By holding the smartphone within five centimeters of the terminal, the encrypted transaction is completed in seconds. The technology, provided by Device Fidelity and customized by Gemalto, mirrors the security protocols used in traditional credit card transactions.

This pilot is part of a broader push by the French government to digitize payment methods. For Credit Agricole, which manages over 17 million issued cards, the project serves as a strategic effort to improve payment efficiency and reduce point-of-sale congestion for both businesses and consumers.