Useful links:
eMoney News | eMoney Press Releases | sQuid schemes - eMoney

eMoney News

Busker accepts contactless smart card payments
2 Sep 2010

A London-based busker has become the first street entertainer to accept contactless smart card payments.

Peter Buffery, a student at Kingston University, played in front of crowds at Soho Square with a specially designed guitar fitted with contactless technology.

Visitors to the performance in Soho Square were issued with pre-paid contactless cards by Barclays and Barclaycard representatives.

Cardholders then simply tapped the cards against the guitar to make a donation, with proceeds donated to the Help a London Child charity.

Andy Harris, head of current accounts at Barclays, said: "Today saw the UK's first contactless busker play in London's Soho Square and it's been a great success.

"Not only in terms of how good the music's been but it's really demonstrated that there is an easier and quicker way for people to make everyday purchases."

Help a London Child is an organisation which supports disadvantaged children in the capital. Barclays aims to raise £2,500 for the charity.