You can now travel the London Underground using EE's 'Cash on Tap' app

EE Store
EE Store (Image credit: Android Central)

EE has today announced that the mobile operator's Cash on Tap app will connect with card readers on the London Underground, using NFC on supporting smartphones. This makes EE's mobile payment service compatible with the underground, tram, DLR, Overground and National Rail services that accept Oyster cards. This follows EE's recent rollout across London buses.

For those not familiar with Cash on Tap, the service enables consumers to make fast contactless payments on their mobile, without having to whip out their credit or debit card. What's more is Tfl's capping still applies to both mobile payments and wireless bank cards, which are also now supported on the Underground network. Whether you have a supporting mobile device or bank card, it's now easier to get around the capital.

Will you be using bank cards, mobile devices or simply sticking with Oyster?

Tuesday 16th September, 2014: EE, the UK's most advanced digital communications company, today announced customers can now use their mobile phone to pay for travel on London Underground, tram, DLR, Overground and National Rail services that accept Oyster for the very first time.

The roll-out compliments the ability to make mobile payments with EE on London Buses introduced on August 4th. Customers with Cash on Tap enabled handsets can now benefit from the simplicity, convenience and security of mobile payments across the entire TfL network, without the need for an Oyster card or contactless debit card.

EE continues to work closely with TfL and MasterCard to make sure paying for the Tube is faster and more practical than ever before. Whether travelling on the tube, bus or both, customers will no longer need to queue to top-up an Oyster card, or rummage through a handbag at the barriers. Cash on Tap also removes the possibility of card clash – where gates may not open if customers have more than one contactless card in their purse or wallet

The Cash on Tap service was launched last year, and is due to be compatible with over 500,000 customers' handsets by the end of the year. There will be no added charges for using Cash on Tap to pay for travel, and Monday to Sunday capping ensures customers will pay the best value fare for their contactless travel.

Pippa Dunn, Chief Consumer Marketing Officer, EE said: "The TfL network carries more than 30 million journeys around the capital every day, and contactless payments can help make these journeys easier and quicker for London's residents and businesses. This is why EE has continued to work so closely with TfL and MasterCard to bring the ease and efficiency of contactless mobile payments to London's Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground and National Rail services that accept Oyster.

Launched in partnership with MasterCard, the Cash on Tap application is available for free via the Google Play store and compatible with a range of Android devices including the Samsung Galaxy S5, HTC One and Sony Xperia Z2. EE customers can already use their phone to pay in the likes of M&S, Pret A Manger, WHSmith, McDonald's and Boots at over 300,000 locations across the country.

Rich Edmonds