Italian bank UniCredit has teamed up with First Data to test a QR code-based mobile payments service.
The pilot, already underway, uses First Data's Mobile Gateway to generate and exchange QR codes between merchants and customers.
First Data says that its system not only cuts the risks associated with entering card details for payments but also opens up value-added service applications such as couponing, offers, ticketing and bill payments.
The QR code pilot is the first of several payment services that the pair have agreed to work on together in UniCredit's markets around the world.
John Elkins, president, international regions, First Data, says: "UniCredit has recognised the opportunities that Universal Commerce offers and we are delighted to be working with it to make this a reality for its international customer base."