PayPal inStore, an alternative to NFC?

[Guest hecatae]

PayPal inStore is now available, allowing you to pay with your mobile at Oasis, Coast, Warehouse and Karen Millen stores across the UK. No, I don't shop in the above stores either, but what is interesting is the way that PayPal have implemented their new offering.

How does it work?

Just open the app and tap 'Pay inStore' to display a unique barcode and number. The shop assistant will scan the barcode or enter the number into the till. Your PayPal account will then be charged and any accepted offers will be applied. You can even use the app when there is no mobile network or WiFi coverage.

Sounds good, but what are the benefits of using PayPal inStore?

• Shop on the high street wherever PayPal inStore is accepted
  
• Make purchases using your PayPal account
  
• Automatically redeem retail offers you've opted into

The offers are displayed in the application and you have to accept the offer before you go shopping. But unlike cashback sites, the discount is immediately applied.

How do you request a refund?

You have to request a refund barcode in the app before you enter the shop in case there is no mobile or wifi coverage in store. The store assistant then needs to scan the barcode for the refund to be processed.

The PayPal inStore application is available now in the Google Play Store.

Let us know if you are able to use it, I will be waiting for other retailers to join the scheme first!

[Via: PayPal]

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[Guest Simon O]

PayPal have a bad reputation so I can't see this being that popular.

[Guest olionair]

We need unification. With all these methods of payment retailers won't know what to opt in for to get the largest customer base.

[Guest unrandomsam]

It will only be useful if you have a preexisting balance. Otherwise it is moronic compared to visa debit or MasterCard. Not any stores I use either.