Turkcell puts mobile wallet in SIM

Turkish operator Turkcell has launched a SIM-based mobile wallet that works on smartphones, using a native application, as well as feature phones. It also supports contactless payment on NFC-enabled phones.

The operator said that the service is now available for all of its 28 million subscribers, who do not need to have a bank account in order to use it.

Customers can pay for goods using the mobile wallet by entering their mobile phone number during online shopping transactions with participating websites. NFC handsets will be able to make payments at contactless payment acceptance points, and Turkcell plans to allow customers to make payments by simply entering their mobile phone number at a point-of-sales device at participating stores.

In addition, subscribers are able to transfer money using the app, top up air-time and it will soon be possible to pay Turkcell invoices, utility bills and those of other participating institutions using the wallet.

“Turkcell Wallet will open the door to a new era in shopping and e-commerce as an inventive commercial platform where all of Turkey’s leading brands and banks will be available,” said Turkcell CEO Sureyya Ciliv.