Visa is introducing a new brand titled V.me by Visa offering a digital wallet service. V.me is a secure way for consumers to pay online as well as in person with a PC, tablet, or mobile device using Visa and non-Visa accounts. 

Photo: V.me by Visa logo

Visa is currently working with its financial institution clients and merchants on their participation in V.me and has already launched an invitation-only beta of V.me capabilities in the US and Canada. The official consumer enrollment and payments is scheduled for the beginning of 2012.

Understanding the importance of the developers’ role in facilitating of the new service adoption, Visa has also launched a an open beta developer program designed initially for online payment applications. The first V.me developer tools can be accessed through Visa’s new Visa Developer Center or at www.V.me.

A digital wallet is designed to make it easier for people to buy both online and point-of-sale. It will also provide features beyond payments such as transaction alerts and the ability to receive personalized offers. People will be able to use their Visa cards as well as MasterCards, American Express, or Discover cards.

One of the key features includes a streamlined online checkout. Using their V.me accounts, consumers can click to buy with the V.me acceptance mark instead of entering their account information and shipping addresses every time they want to shop from their smart phone, tablet or computer.

“We are taking important steps toward delivering a digital wallet that meets Visa’s standards for a payments experience that is convenient, secure and reliable.  Visa is building on a fifty year tradition as we look ahead to the next generation of payments,” writes Jennifer Schulz, Head of Global Product Strategy, Innovation and eCommerce in a post on Visa’s blog.

Google is also working on development of its Google Wallet app that turns a smartphone into a billfold.