PayPal tests mobile payments using your face for verification

PayPal is rolling out a new trial for British consumers to see if they really can leave their wallets at home.

Recently kicking off in London borough Richmond upon Thames, the test includes 12 different merchants set up to accept PayPal payments, according to the company.

Using the PayPal app for iOS, Android, or Windows Phone, shoppers can see nearby participating merchants highlighted on their mobile phones. They can then "check into" a certain store by clicking on its name and pay for an item by sliding an animated pin down the screen. The person's name and photo then pops up on the store's payment system. After the customer agrees to pay for the item, the cashier clicks on the person's photo to send the payment through.

The customer receives an alert via phone with the amount paid along with PayPal's usual receipt.