Using mobiles to pay

Dear NI2 students,

Why don't you read this text from the BBC on the use of mobile phones and cards to pay? 
Match the following words with their definitions:

a. hurdle (paragraph 3)              to stay of fall behind

b. wave (paragraph 6)                barrier, obstacle

c. lag behind (paragraph 12)       use for gain, exploit

d. leverage (paragraph 15)         to swing (something) back and forth or up and down 

What does a virtual wallet in paragraph 43 mean? Can you explain with your own words?

AND HOW HOW ABOUT YOU?

Do you still use cash to pay? How do you envision its future? Are there any drawbacks to the use of phones to pay? Could cash finally be on its way out?

For extra listening practice, watch this videofrom the BBC