Bluecode partners with Discover® Global Network to increase mobile payment acceptance around the world, leveraging 'Payment Roaming'

Bluecode is expanding its merchant acceptance through a strategic alliance with Discover^® Global Network. The parties signed a payment interoperability agreement that will increase their global acceptance footprint significantly. This agreement enables Bluecode issuing banks, and in particular their users, to use Bluecode at merchant locations who are enabled with contactless technology and accept cards that run on Discover^® Global Network worldwide.¹

Following the recent announcement of adding NFC (Near Field Communication) to its existing barcode and QR code payment technology, Bluecode takes its next step towards further global reach by entering into an interoperability agreement with Discover^® Global Network "Working with Discover^® Global Network marks a significant milestone in further establishing Bluecode as a European mobile payment system with worldwide reach. It allows Bluecode issuing banks to offer a globally accepted account-based payment solution directly within their banking apps, supporting NFC, barcode, and QR code payments”, explains Christian Pirkner, CEOof Bluecode.

Discover^® Global Network encompasses and connects more than 25 domestic payment schemes worldwide^2. The ecosystem is built around Discover^® Network, Diners ClubInternational^®, and includes network alliances such as RuPay from India, Elo from Brazil, and Troy from Turkey among others, covering more than 70 million merchant acceptance points globally.² Availability is currently enabled for a closed user group and will be rolled out by Bluecode issuing banks.

The collaboration underscores the goal of Bluecode to establish a global payment system based on 'Payment Roaming', enabling international mobile payments for European users. Bluecode is actively pursuing the concept of 'Payment Roaming' to make its payment system interoperable with other national solutions worldwide while upholding European principles – particularly regarding independence, security, data protection, and privacy. The approach enables Bluecode payments on a global scale whereby all payments remain Bluecode scheme transactions, and all personal data stays exclusively with the user’s bank.

Ricardo Leite, Senior Vice President of International Markets at Discover^® Global Network said: “Our collaboration with Bluecode is a prime example, of how the Discover^® Global Network can bring value to European domestic schemes, banks, merchants, and users. We are providing reach for Bluecode users at millions of merchant acceptance points globally.”

For Bluecode 'Payment Roaming' is an infrastructure that benefits current and future partners by bringing NFC, barcode, and QR code solutions with global reach for all. The combined network of all current roaming partners already represents one of the largest merchant acceptance grids worldwide.

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Notes:

¹ Discover^® Global Network alliance partners: https://www.discoverglobalnetwork.com/our-network/our-unique-network/

² Based on data provided by merchants, acquiring institutions and other third parties (as of December 31, 2023)

About Bluecode:

Bluecode is a European payment system that enables cashless payments via mobile phone. The system uses a one-time payment token, represented as either a barcode or QR code, which can be scanned or transmitted via NFC (Near Field Communication). Bluecode is directly linked to the user’s bank account. Trusted by millions and accepted by a wide network of merchants, Bluecode is accessible through apps from banks, merchants, and other providers, as well as through the Bluecode app. Furthermore, Bluecode can be linked to customer loyalty programs. Bluecode collaborates with international networks such as Alipay+, Discover^® Global Network, and EMPSA (European Mobile Payment Systems Association) to support global payment interoperability. Consequently, Bluecode is accepted worldwide. More information: www.bluecode.com

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Press contact:

Blue Code InternationalAG 
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press@bluecode.com  
Claudio Wilhelmer
PR & Special Projects
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