Shops in Richmond, London, have begun trialling mobile payments technology from PayPal which lets customers verify themselves at the checkout using a photo and their first name.
The new feature, called check in, within the firm's Android, iOS and Windows apps highlights nearby shops and restaurants that accept PayPal; the customer then checks in by clicking on the retailer and pays by sliding a pin down in the app.
Once a user has checked in, their name and photo appears on the shop's payment system, and when they agree the amount to be paid, the cashier charges them by clicking on the image. The customer gets an alert on their phone to let them know how much they've paid, as well as PayPal's usual e-mail receipt.
A dozen businesses in Richmond high street, including cafes, restaurants and shops, have become the first to pilot the technology, which aims to consign wallets, cards and PINs to history.
Richard Garcia, owner of one participant, Cook and Garcia café, says: "We've been using PayPal's check in service within the business for several months, and have found it really efficient. Customers don't have to worry about having cards, cash or change, just their phones - it is the quickest transaction through the till, which means less queues and we never have to turn down a sale, both of which are great for business."
Rob Harper, head, retail services, PayPal, adds: "This is another step on the journey towards a wallet-less high street, where customers will be able to leave their wallet or purse at home and pay using their phone or tablet. We predict that by 2016 this will become a reality."