Payment processor First Data Corporation announced a new pre-paid product called mVoucher that allows merchants to offer their customers a payment method using mobile devices. The mVoucher programs delivers mobile coupons to customers via a text message or 2-D barcode that can be entered or scanned by the merchant at the point of sale or via a mobile browser.

First Data said the product will eventually be able to deliver and redeem coupons through near field communication (NFC) methods. 

Dom Morea, SVP and division manager for Advanced Solutions and Innovation at First Data, said, "Innovations in mobile services and applications have catalyzed the consumer adoption of sending real-life gifts and buying daily deals in real time from a mobile device."

"As people continue to embrace this mobile lifestyle, First Data mVoucher will enable merchants to instantly deliver targeted offers to their most loyal customers even while they are in the middle of shopping, as well as drive more foot traffic through their doors," Morea said.

Along with the ability to pay using mVouchers, the program also offers customers of participating merchants the option of managing offers and incentives through their mobile device, either via a browser or mobile application. Account management options include reloading mVouchers, checking balances and reviewing transactions. Customers can also use location-based services (LBS) on their phones to find the nearest merchant location.

First Data has partnered with CardinalCommerce Corp. to create a mobile commerce platform that gives merchants a way to use mVouchers without integrating the product into their current payment systems. This allows merchants without an existing relationship with First Data to offer mVouchers that customers can redeem through the mobile commerce platform and an Internet checkout process.

Tim Sherwin, EVP and co-owner of CardinalCommerce, said, "MVoucher is a simple-to-use mobile solution that utilizes a retailer's existing gift card infrastructure and helps them exploit the opportunities of mobile commerce."