Take a look inside Circle – the app that lets you send money like a text message

Circle

Personal finance has progressed in leaps and bounds since Apple launched the iPhone in 2007.

Circle, the Boston-based internet bank started in 2013, launched its payments app on Wednesday, partnering with UK bank Barclays.

It runs on the blockchain network, the technology that underpins cyber currency Bitcoin, and so payments can be sent instantly to contacts like a text message.

You can add gifs or emojis to the payment, and the app processes both dollar and UK sterling amounts.

It’s backed by $76 million of venture capital, which includes a $50 million investment from Goldman Sachs.

“We think money should work the way the internet works, like with email or texting.” Circle CEO and co-founder Jeremy Allaire said in an interview in London.

It’s on both iOS and Android. Here’s what Circle looks like on your phone.