PayPal opens up to credit cards

Online commerce specialist PayPal has opened up support for credit card transactions.

The company said that it would be allowing site administrators and merchants who use the PayPal service to accept transactions directly from customers without the need to create an account.

PayPal developer network senior Naveed Anwar said that the system would be available through the company's Adaptive Payments API.

"We're aware that no matter how innovative the ideas are, our developers look to us to provide the features to make it all possible," said Anwar

"We're thrilled to provide this new functionality to meet this need and look forward to seeing the ground-breaking apps our developer community will create with this."

The unveiling comes on the heels of the launch of a possible competitor for PayPal. Visa has launched its own micropayment service known as 'payclick.' Currently operating in Australia, the service is being aimed at families as a way for children to spend money online through parent-controlled accounts.

Among the merchants supporting the platform at its launch are Apple's iTunes service and social networking platform Habbo.

"Payclick is designed to meet growing consumer demand for digital content, such as music, games and movies," said general manager Greg Storey.

"Payclick accounts are suitable for the different needs of family members, including those under 18 years old."