The pilot will involve 1000 KPN customers who also have accounts with one of the three banks and run until the end of the year. Participants will be able to make low-value purchases at MasterCard terminals in shops and restaurants in the centre of Leiden.

The partners say that they will work together until the trial ends before going their own ways. Last July the banks, KPN and Vodafone called time on a more formal joint venture established to introduce a national mobile wallet service, citing cost and timing issues.

Commenting on the pilot, Robert Strijk, councillor, finance, economy and accessibility, Leiden, says: "The municipality of Leiden is enthusiastic about this initiative that can stimulate economic activity for both retailers and shoppers."