Visa has announced its digital wallet service V.me by Visa is now being offered at major ecommerce retailers in Australia.

Flight Centre, JB Hi-Fi, Lorna Jane, Cotton On, Escape Travel, Skiddoo, City Beach, OO.com.au, DealsDirect.com.au, CatchOfTheDay, Scoopon, Moshtix and Menulog are some retailers that have signed up to the program to allow consumers to make secure online payments using a single username and password – whether shopping from a PC, laptop or mobile device.

New research released by Visa shows the race is on between online and bricks and mortar retail stores in the lead up to Christmas with 43 per cent of 18-29 year olds and 37 per cent of 30-49 year olds now preferring to shop online than go in store.

“With more customers going online, we’re helping retailers to simplify the online checkout experience and convert sales,” said Greg Storey, Visa’s head of V.me for Asia Pacific, Central Europe, Middle East and Africa.

“V.me offers an easy and convenient way to pay online at any time you choose, on any device you choose, and with any major payment card brand.”

Online retailer CatchOfTheDay, which also owns Scoopon, said it expects an online sale every second over the Christmas period with apparel, toys and jewellery expected to the hot sellers.

“Our customers are purchasing through a range of devices, including PC, tablet and phone,” said Gabby Leibovich, co-founder CatchOfTheDay.

“They’re looking for the simplest and easiest way to get their Christmas shopping done and V.me is helping make that happen by offering a beautiful online checkout experience.”

V.me will become available across more merchants in Australia in 2014.