Obopay
This service is available from the provider's Web site.

CNET Editors' Review
CNET Editors' Rating
- Reviewed by: Nicole Lee
- Reviewed on:
The good: Obopay is an easy way to send and receive money using your cell phone via text messaging, WAP, or a mobile application. You can also opt to connect a prepaid Mastercard to your Obopay account. Obopay works with practically all cell phones.
The bad: Obopay requires a small fee when sending or adding cash to your account via a debit card or credit card. There's also a limit on the amount of money you can transfer.
The bottom line: Obopay is an easy and convenient way to send and receive money, and the prepaid Mastercard option is a clever method of money management for teens. The service won't replace your wallet, however, and because of the many fees involved, hard cash may still be your best friend.
We tested the service with two Verizon Motorola Razr V3c cell phones with the mobile Obopay application. The application's interface is laid out well, with bold, legible text and an easy-to-navigate menu. Program options include: Send Money, Get Money, Balance, History, Refer Friends, and Help. These options are fairly self-explanatory.
Sending money couldn't be easier. You enter your recipient's phone number (make sure he or she has an Obopay account, too), enter the amount of money you wish to send, enter your PIN number (which you establish with Obopay during sign-up), and hit Send. Note that there's a 10-cent fee every time you send money. This may not seem like a lot, but it could add up over time. Also, you can also send money through the Obopay Web site. Almost immediately your recipient will receive a message confirming the transaction, and alerting them to the availability of the funds. If you happen to need some cash yourself, you can also send a message to a friend or a parent via the Get Money feature. Even when sending a Get Money message, you'll have to enter your PIN.
There are other ways to add money to your Obopay account. You can add money via a debit or credit card, but you'll be charged a 1.5% fee (based on the total amount of your transfer), or transfer money from a bank account, which is free. You can even arrange for your employer to deposit your paycheck directly into your Obopay account. Combined with the prepaid Mastercard option, this is an easy way to manage your finances. You could give yourself an allowance of $200, tied to the prepaid Mastercard. Then when you run out of funds, you can easily transfer more money to the card via Obopay. Obopay funds can also be transfered to a bank account, or withdrawn via ATM by using the prepaid Mastercard.
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Nicole Lee is a senior associate editor for CNET, covering cell phones, Bluetooth headsets, and all things mobile. She's also a fan of comic books, video games, and of course, shiny gadgets.
User Reviews
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Most recent user reviews
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"it does what it says it will do-the definition of trust" By gearle0521
Pros: mobile and you don't need cash
Cons: more people don't know about it yet
"Not bad. Not Great" By wk34
Pros: tied to a prepaid credit card
Cons: usage fees
requires more bank and credit card info to remove spending limits
security
Summary: it's a nice idea. it;s just not the time for it. i don;t like them asking me to add this and verify that. and how do i know they are keeping my info safe? i've had to report my credit card stolen when i saw 10 ... Expand full review
Where to Buy
This service is available from the provider's Web site.