Card.io brings credit card processing to all without the added hardware
Square and other similar services popularized the smartphone as a way for the average person to accept credit card payments, but not without the addition of a card reading peripheral. Sure, they send it out free to anyone who signs up for an account, but with a new app from Card.io such tools are looking obsolete. Open to all, Card.io visually processes credit card information using a phone’s camera; it’s a lot like using your smartphone to deposit a check. Users can link the service to their bank account or PayPal, and they won’t find any registration charges. Money processed via Card.io will see an additional 3.5 percent plus 30 cents added to the bill.
Even better, Card.io is making their SDK available to third party developers, enabling the use of visual credit card payments in any app that chooses to use the technology. Making purchases through an app such as eBay or Amazon would be as easy as scanning your card.
You can find the app in the Android Market now and start hitting your friends up for cash immediately. An iOS version has also been made available.
Android Market Link: Card.io
[via Engadget]