Best apps...for using a phone for purchases

Google Wallet enables Nexus phone users with a Citi MasterCard to pay quickly at dozens of large retailers. Just tap your phone on a PayPass-enabled card reader to make purchases. (Google is negotiating to expand service to other cards.)

Zong allows you to make online purchases with just your phone and a PIN. The charges can be directed to a credit card or your wireless-carrier bill. (Free, all platforms)

PayPal Mobile “allows you to transfer money between phones with a simple tap.” Once phones bump, type in the transaction amount, and PayPal does the rest. (Free; iPhone, Android, BlackBerry)

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Square is ideal for merchants without credit card machines. With a small attachment plugged into your phone’s headphone jack, you can swipe all major credit cards. (Free—including the plug-in; iOS and Android)

Source: Details