SMS Betalen is an innovative mobile phone payment service that was introduced into the market in June 2008. The service enables users to send secure payments of up to 150 euros from one mobile phone to another. Payments transacted via the service take place independently of both bank and telecom provider.

 

The system that forms the basis for this ‘one to one’ payment method is MiniTix. Since 2003, Chess in collaboration with Rabobank has modified Minitix into a payment facility for small item purchases in the physical world, over the internet or mobile phone. The facility incorporates a bank account link that automatically tops up the balance on the mobile phone, ensuring sufficient funds are at all times available. Further functionality has been built in that gives easy access to balance information and transaction history online.

 

René Hodde, CEO of Chess, is understandably proud of  the achievement: “It is confirmation that Rabo SMS Betalen, the result of Chess and Rabobank’s long and continued partnership, is a unique, international innovation.”

Chess aspires to a future in which remote technology will allow payments to be made from the mobile phone to a wide range of payment terminals. René Hodde: “By introducing remote electronic payments, we aim to create a cashless environment in schools, public transport, event locations and retail, and so contribute to safety, speed and user friendliness of payment transactions.”