TextPayMe

TextPayMe, established in 2005, pioneered SMS-based payments, enabling users to transfer funds via text messaging. This service allowed individuals in the US to send money to anyone with an SMS-enabled cell phone. While standard text messaging rates applied, TextPayMe offered free money transfers during its beta phase. In July 2006, the TextPayMe team transitioned to Amazon, leading to the eventual redirection of the TextPayMe site to Amazon's mobile payment platform by 2011. Although no formal press release accompanied this transition, it is widely believed that Amazon acquired TextPayMe. The payment process was straightforward: users sent a text message to SMS@TextPayMe.com with the format "pay amount phonenumber." For instance, sending $5 to 123-456-7890 required texting "pay 5 1234567890." Security was ensured through user-defined PIN confirmations for each transaction. Users could fund their accounts by linking bank accounts or credit cards. Transaction limits were capped at $500 per month.