Joining the league of the two main 'contactless' cards, payWave from Visa and PayPass from Mastercard, mobile phone firm Orange has partnered with Barclaycard to launch a new contactless credit card.

The Orange contactless cards, like the other such cards, would enable Orange mobile phone subscribers to make payments of a few pounds with the swipe of the cards over a card reader.

Essentially a credit card with SMS notifications whenever used, the Orange contactless card does not depend on the Near Field Communications (NFC) for facilitating wireless payments.

Orange claims that the contactless card will provide users "a new level of control over their account," as it would allow them to set spending limits on per day, per week, or per category basis.

When they come close to the set limit, they will get an SMS alert about their limit status.

The use of the contactless card will also make the customers eligible for earning Orange credit card reward points - one point for every £1 spent - which they can spend at high street shops, for availing discounts on Orange products, or for getting tickets for trips and special events.

Chris Wood, managing director at Barclaycard, said that the announcement of the contactless card with Orange has brought Barclaycard a step closer towards enabling mobile contactless payments for UK consumers.