Abstract: A terminal device for making payments, comprises: a memory containing a stored payment amount; a local communication unit to carry out an authentication handshake with a second device located nearby and to carry out a contactless payment by altering said stored payment amount in a complementary manner at said terminal device and said second device respectively; and a synchronization unit to synchronize said stored payment amount with a server(s) over an electronic network following alteration due to the payment. As an alternative, the second device may be located remotely, and communication with the second device may be via the server.