US Consumers Want Single Contactless Payment Accounts, Finds ABI Research Survey

NEW YORK--(Business Wire)--US consumers are keen to use their mobile handsets for making
in-store payments, but the majority only wants to have one
credit/debit account for making those purchases, according to a new
ABI Research survey of US consumer attitudes.

Much of the work on developing a standard application platform
across NFC handsets has been geared at providing a platform capable of
supporting and managing multiple payment accounts from any number of
credit and debit card issuers. However, ABI Research's "Mobile and
Contactless Payments" survey, carried out at the end of 2007, reveals
that initially at least, consumers prefer a single account that is
easy to manage on the handset.

"Our survey revealed a number of important attitudes toward
contactless payments among US consumers," says principal analyst
Jonathan Collins. "The desire for a single and separate account on NFC
handsets, for example, provides a heads-up to existing credit and
debit card suppliers that new or separate products may be required to
keep customers as they move to mobile payments. Furthermore, it shows
potential for new and specialized mobile payment providers to step in,
as users turn to NFC-enabled payments."

The survey drew together opinions from a web-based sample of more
than 1000 respondents drawn from across the United States and ranging
in age from 14 to 59. Participants were grouped into five age
categories and five income categories. It also examined the appeal of
and major concerns regarding mobile handset payments. There are clear
lessons to be drawn from opinions across all age and income groups.

Other key findings from the survey include consumer attitudes
toward handset security and toward potential account fees, issues that
mobile operators and their NFC payment partners will have to tackle
ahead of any successful contactless handset payment deployment.

ABI Research provides full survey results, with commentary and
analysis, in Mobile and Contactless Payments: US Consumer Attitudes,
Preferences and Interest Levels Related to NFC-Enabled Mobile Commerce
(http://www.abiresearch.com/products/research_brief/Contactless_
Commerce_Market_Update/114). This report underscores some of the key
issues that must be considered as NFC payment applications come to
market, as well as providing direction and analysis of how best to
meet consumers' requirements.

It is part of the firm's Mobile and Contactless Commerce Research
Service
(http://www.abiresearch.com/products/service/Contactless_Commerce_
Research_Service), which also includes Research Reports, other
Research Briefs, Market Data, ABI Insights, ABI Vendor Matrices, and
analyst inquiry support.

ABI Research is a leading market research firm focused on the
impact of emerging technologies on global consumer and business
markets. Utilizing a unique blend of market intelligence, primary
research, and expert assessment from its worldwide team of industry
analysts, ABI Research assists hundreds of clients each year with
their strategic growth initiatives. For information, visit
www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.

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ABI Research
Nicole Fabris, 516-624-2542
pr@abiresearch.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008