Microsoft officially announces the new Microsoft Wallet app

After releasing it in the Windows Store few hours back to Windows Insiders (build 14360 or highe), Microsoft has now officially announced the Microsoft Wallet app which they built in partnership with MasterCard and Visa. This app will be general availabile to all customers later this summer and the initial launch will be in the United States only.

Microsoft Wallet is a cloud-based payment technology that will make mobile payments simple and more secure for Windows 10 Mobile devices, starting in the U.S. with our Lumia 950, 950 XL and 650, and usable in over a million retail locations; anywhere you see the contactless payment symbol or the Microsoft Wallet logo at the point of sale.

App Features:

• With Microsoft Wallet, you simply tap your phone on a contactless payment terminal, and your default credit or debit card is charged.
• Store as many credit and debit cards as you want in your Microsoft Wallet so it’s easy to make purchases with the card of your choice. Want to change cards? Switching takes just a tap of your finger.
• Save all of your reward and membership cards—for stores, restaurants, health clubs, libraries, and more—in your Microsoft Wallet. As long as it has a bar code, it can be scanned right from your phone.

Do I need to launch the Wallet on the phone before I try to pay a payment?

No you don’t. You just need to place your phone near the payment terminal. Your phone will automatically launch Wallet to complete the payment. You may be prompted to either unlock the phone or authenticate with a PIN. After you authenticate, you may be asked to place your phone close to the payment terminal again.

Check out the list of banks supported by Microsoft Wallet,

Microsoft Wallet supported retail locations,

Check out the promo video of Microsoft Wallet app here.