Payments firm Wirecard is partnering with WHSmith to expand its online digital payment acceptance capabilities and in-store point of sale (PoS) systems.

The collaboration comes as WHSmith - the UK’s largest retailer of news, books, travel accessories and convenience - looks to implement a digital strategy through a growing e-commerce business, including Click and Collect and 'Buy Online Return in Store' (BORIS) options.

A statement explained that Wirecard’s payments infrastructure will enable smooth and flexible payment acceptance and processing online, as well as flexible checkout experiences at the company’s 1,600 store estate across UK High Streets, airports, hospitals and train stations.

Initially over 900 UK stores will be equipped with payment methods most commonly used by Chinese consumers. The integration benefits Chinese customers, who can now pay in WHSmith stores as if they were in their home country, without having to exchange money or carry cash.

In addition, Wirecard and WHSmith are launching an e-commerce collaboration enabling the retailer to process payments made using Mastercard's Pay by Bank App which lets customers pay using the bank app on their phone.

WHSmith pointed out that the solution is already compliant with the recently-delayed Strong Customer Authentication rules.

Share Story: