Zapp has struck a deal with WorldPay that will see its mobile payments system made available to thousands of merchants, including big names such as WH Smith and McDonald's, from next year.
Set up by VocaLink earlier this year, Zapp is promising to bring real-time mobile payments - in store, online and through apps - to millions of Brits by linking their bank accounts and phone numbers.
Banks who agree to take part in the service (Zapp says it is in advanced talk with five of the six major high street players) will integrate the system into their mobile apps and then invite customers to opt in.
Then, at participating retailers, users shopping on their phone or tablet who click the pay by Zapp button will be taken to their mobile banking app, where they will be shown their account balance before being asked to confirm the transaction.
On a desktop or in-store, the payment terminal or browser will generate a six digit Zapp code which the user enters into their mobile app to complete the transaction.
The WorldPay deal sees Zapp gain a powerful ally in its bid to bring retailers on board ahead of next year's launch. The pair will work together to push Zapp to WorldPay's thousands of merchant customers, which include giants such as Superdrug and Lidl.
Peter Keenan, chief executive, Zapp, says: "I am delighted to announce this partnership between Zapp and WorldPay to roll out Zapp mobile payments in 2014. WorldPay is a crucial partner in the establishment of the Zapp payment eco-system that will deliver benefit for financial institutions, retailers and customers alike."