Eftpos has launched the first of its new online payment system trials with supermarket giant, Coles, in a step towards offering consumers the ability to shop online using their savings accounts.

The online trial will enable Eftpos online payments to 350 people shopping on a Coles website.

Bruce Mansfield, CEO of Eftpos, said the new solution will provide benefits including real time transaction updates on bank accounts, and the ability for merchants and consumers to set their own limits to trigger additional security features.

Mansfield said the trial solution was a secure approach to digital payments, where no card details were exchanged between consumer and merchant.

“While Eftpos is the most widely used debit card system in Australia at point of sale, we are now moving into the digital world with online payments,” Mansfield said.

“These trials are about finding the best online experience for Australian merchants and consumers and offering them a new payments choice that has been specifically designed for this market. I expect more trials to follow soon, ahead of commercialisation in 2015.”

Coles GM financial services, Richard Wormald, said Coles is excited to support the Eftpos online trial, as it provides customers with an alternative way to pay that is affordable, secure and easy to use.

Marj Demmer, ANZ’s GM cards and payments, said as part of the digital shift and rise of online shopping, customers and merchants are changing the way they want to make and receive payments.

“They’re looking for a seamless and secure digital experience, and Eftpos’ new online payments trial is an important part of the industry’s response to providing a range of suitable options,” she said.

Eftpos says it is also working with ANZ and CBA on various online trials to be launched over the coming months.