It’s getting to the point where mobile payment systems are all starting to run together. PayPal, Square and the like are all offering that same combination of dongle and software to make credit cards incredibly easy. But Flint Mobile Pay is looking to change things by removing one component many regard as necessary.
Flint Mobile Pay is set to work with an enormous array of iOS hardware, from the iPhone 3GS all the way through to the iPad Mini. It works with fifth generation iPod Touch devices, and anything that’s running iOS 5.0 or better. It’s even been specifically optimized for the iPhone 5, which is no doubt a welcome development for those who bought the devices.
The Flint Mobile Pay app works essentially by using the device’s camera to scan the card number. It’s not taking a picture of the card itself, nor is it storing any images on the device; it’s simply scanning the card number. Additionally, users can manually key in the card number if they find themselves having trouble with the scanning feature. This removes the need for a card reader, or having to wait for one to arrive in order to begin transacting business.
The system can be set up and started running in minutes, with a range of customization options in place for things like sales taxes, loyalty club offers, or additional notes to customers on electronic receipts. Transaction fees are kept impressively low, at just 1.95 percent plus 20 cents for a debit card, and 2.95 percent and 20 cents for a credit card transaction. Flint Mobile Pay supports Visa and MasterCard branded cards, which isn’t the entire market, but does represent about 90 percent of all card transactions, meaning that users will have most of the waterfront cleared.
For the most part, this is a pretty sound application from the outset. While I didn’t transact any business on it myself, the layout of controls was comparatively easy to work with, and should make this one a platform worth considering for any small business who deals in mobile payments. Outdoor markets, outside sales ventures and the like should be quite a bit simpler and easier to manage from one central location.
Flint Mobile Pay may not work in every office, but for those who handle a lot of smaller transactions via credit card, well, this is certainly an alternative to Square and PayPal and the like that will merit closer examination.