MasterCard released a new mobile payment software development kit enabling card issuers, network operators, merchants and third-party developers to build Android and BlackBerry applications integrating its PayPass contactless payment technology.

The MasterCard PayPass User Interface SDK is free to license and includes API code libraries, API specification documentation, sample UI application code, white-label reference UI tools and a testing suite to create proximity payment mobile UI apps, mobile banking apps and mobile wallet apps with support for the Near Field Communications-based PayPass system. MasterCard notes it has also streamlined the UI approval process to help customers more quickly and efficiently bring PayPass-enabled mobile services to market. To download the SDK, click here.

MasterCard notes it has already approved more than 70 NFC-equipped phones for PayPass compatibility, including Samsung's Galaxy S3, HTC's One X, Sony's Xperia S and Research In Motion's (NASDAQ:RIMM) BlackBerry Bold 9900. PayPass-enabled devices leverage a tiny microchip and radio antenna embedded within the phone, wirelessly transmitting payment details to a corresponding point-of-sale reader. The reader then verifies the transaction with the consumer's bank. The PayPass terminal network spans more than 400,000 merchants worldwide.