Mobile operator EE is launching a U.K. mobile payments service called Cash on Tap, in a move that highlights recent efforts across Europe to make mobile payments a reality, according to a story from Banking Technology.

Users will download a mobile app from the Google Play store, which works on select 4G EE handsets. They will then be able to make NFC contactless payments in the same way as a contactless debit card, by holding their smartphone over a MasterCard PayPass contactless payment terminal. Alternatively, they can also make online payments, using a virtual MasterCard account linked to the Cash on Tap app. The system was built using technology provided by firm PrePay Solutions.

Learn more about contactless/NFC payments.