POS-maker Ingenico has launched a new first in NFC payments: the first contactless payment system that allows users to pay with their phones across card brands. The effort is currently being tested in Group Santander City, a small city near Madrid. It's a partnership between Ingenico, wireless carrier Orange and Spanish bank Banco Santander.

According to the announcement, users will be able to make payments at 40 locations such as restaurants, convenience stores and vending machines throughout Group Santander City and at Boadilla del Monte, Madrid.

Unlike other mobile payment programs using NFC, this project will allow consumers to make contactless payments in any amount using technology from either MasterCard or Visa on the same terminal. With other mobile payment methods, consumers looking to use their phones at a point of sale must have a card from whichever card brand is a partner in the payment scheme.

For more on this subject, visit the Contactless/NFC research center.