Grocery retailers Asda, Sainsbury's and Spar, along with 20 other British businesses, have signed agreements with mobile payments company Zapp to enable mobile payments using its software in store and online. Zapp will launch the solution next year.
Asda and Sainsbury's represent one third of the country's supermarket industry.
Fashion retailer House of Fraser and e-commerce operator Shop Direct have also signed up to the service.
Zapp's mobile payments solution will allow customers to use their smartphones to make purchases both over the Internet and in shops.
Using secure digital tokens to protect user data, Zapp allows for the instant exchange of money.
Zapp's banking partners, including HSBC/First Direct, Nationwide, Santander and Metro, hold the current accounts of more than 18 million people in the UK.
Speaking on the announcement, Peter Keenan, chief executive of Zapp, said, "At last, the promise of a truly mobile and digital payment method will become a reality, meaning easier and more secure checkouts for millions."
Jon Rudoe, digital and technology director at Sainsbury's, added, "We know that the way that our customers shop is changing, and we're always looking at new and innovative ways to improve the experience."
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