Western Union Payments created the apps to assist billers in introducing mobile payment solutions to their customers.

The Speedpay Mobile Payment App can help companies in financial services, mortgage, insurance, cable, telecommunications and other industries meet evolving consumer bill payment preferences. Upon biller implementation of the Western Union mobile solution, consumers can access enhanced payment capabilities by downloading the biller-branded app from the various online locations and app stores where billers make their apps available.

Consumers can access and manage their payments using a variety of platforms and devices, including Android, iPhone, and iPad, enabling them to make payments quickly and conveniently, when and where they choose. The app functionality also allows the consumer to access previous payment information for ease of use in subsequent payments.

The second Western Union Payments mobile app offering is specifically designed for billers in the utility industry. The functionality enables utility companies to provide their customers with the ability to view and pay bills, monitor usage, and track and report outages via their mobile devices. The app functionality was integrated with mobile applications offered by iFactor, a company specializing in communications for the utilities industry.

According to the Western Union® Payments Money Mindset Index, online and mobile bill payments are increasingly popular, with 39 percent of consumers saying they will pay more bills online in 2013, and 12 percent intending to pay more bills by mobile phone. An additional 11 percent of consumers say they will use more same-day payments, while 25 percent of consumers report that they will send fewer checks in the mail to pay their bills.

"Western Union recognizes that consumers are seeking more bill payment options, and we are committed to providing a comprehensive set of payment solutions, including mobile apps, SMS, and mobile web, as well as walk-in, phone and online payment services," said David Shapiro, senior vice president, Payments, Western Union. "By working with Western Union to implement a mobile strategy, billers can meet consumer demand and execute an efficient entry into the mobile payments space."