I just got an email from a friend at NBK about this new service they will be trying out in Kuwait which is payment via NFC (near field communication). Instead of paying by cash or plastic cards you could pay by just waving your phone. The service is going to be called Bouky and they’re launching a 6 month pilot which you can sign up to if you’re interested (link at the end of the post).
This service is already used in places like Japan and the Far East but it will be the first time here in the Middle East. Another cool feature will be that you could wave the phone in front of “smart” posters and redeem offers or download free pre-paid visa cards. My friend signed me up for the 6 month trial so I will get to try it out. During the trial period I will be able to pay by waving my phone at some 100 outlets in The Avenues. If you’re interested in trying Bouky out they will be choosing only 500 customers for the trial period. To sign up follow this [Link]
Note: You need to be a Zain mobile user to beta test this service
20 replies on “NBK introducing pay with your phone”
A Nokia 6212? A phone on the cutting edge.
hehe yeah just for the trial period and NBK gives it to you for free.
Seems a strange choice to create some buzz. You’d think they’d at least bring something out that people can use on their own phones. A Nokia 6212 and the need for a Zain credit card? Hmmm….
I could bet top dollars it will fail just like Mnet did. Dumb gimmicks dont sell well. Give me a credit / debit card with an encrypted RFID and we’re in business.
“Good Service” it’s will be!! 😉
At the rate mobile phones are stolen in Kuwait, this could quickly turn into a fraud nightmare.
its could be that the nokia 6212 is the only phone that has this nfc option
well i guess its the only phone that supports nfc
https://www.nokia.com/technology/upcoming-innovations/nfc
Makes sense then, though it seems a bit premature to introduce it with so few handsets able to take advantage of the technology. A potentially useful application, but I can’t see too many people swapping their Crackberries or iPhones for a Nokia 6212.
they haven’t really introduced it, they are beta testing it for 6 months
This company sure is a pioneer in its field! Something we can be proud of in Kuwait
Whatever happened to the mini visa and mini MasterCard? Why did NBK discontinue? This phone payment system needs more perameters or it will be destined to fail like the mini visa! Long live the mini visa!
uhh…
what if you mobile gets stolen?
you probably could call and cancel it if it gets stolen. kinda like a regular credit card
Good Initiative , but donno if kuwait is ready for that.
At least NBK is trying to always constantly improve their services. Although gulf bank isn’t too far behind. I like gulf banks free access to business class lounge in Dubai airport. That’s a helpful benefit.
haha…the register here button on the link gives a message:-
‘Due to high demand, we are currently facing technical difficulties, pls try again later’….
its just the start…. 😀
Love it i hate carrying a wallet
Its great to hear that we’re getting this kind of service in Kuwait. The NFC technology was actually offered before quite a while by a company called Inside Contactless. The company was created in 1995, the headquarter is in France and they have several offices across Asia, Europe and the US. You can check out their site to find out more about the NFC technology. http://www.insidecontactless.com
I have seen it used in India for the past 3 years