Due for a UK-wide rollout in 2013, an initial trial for the V.me by Visa service is currently underway with UK launch partner RBS. Banks representing 80% of all consumers are already committed, while by 2020, Visa Europe believes that one-third of all European consumers will be using V.me by Visa.

Chris Rhodes, Executive Director of Group Retail at Nationwide, said: "Nationwide is pleased to be working with Visa on the launch of the V.me by Visa digital wallet. An increasing number of our members are using their credit and debit cards when making purchases online. V.me by Visa will allow our customers to take advantage of a simplified checkout process that will not only speed up the time it takes to pay for their goods, but will provide them with a high level of security."

Mariano Dima, Executive Vice President of Product and Marketing Solutions at Visa Europe, added: "This is a fantastic milestone for V.me by Visa and we are delighted to be working with Nationwide to offer the V.me by Visa service to its customers across the UK."

V.me by Visa allows consumers to make easy online payments through the internet browser on a PC, laptop, tablet, or smart phone. Full customer card details are not passed on to the retailer, helping encourage consumers to shop more online. The streamlined online experience is designed to reduce the number of consumer's abandoning purchases at checkout and, in turn, uplift in sales conversions for merchants.

The V.me by Visa service will continue to evolve post-launch to incorporate other Visa payment technologies, including contactless transactions at the point of sale and person-to-person payments.