Independent app store GetJar has revealed that its GetJar Gold Virtual Currency program has reached 20m users since going just seven months ago. The virtual payment system for Android bypasses the need for smartphone users to pay for apps with real money, and, says GetJar, increases revenue for developers 2-3x, compared to Google Checkout-only in-app billing.

With GetJar Gold Virtual Currency, consumers receive virtual currency ‘Gold Coins’ in a digital wallet, every time they download an app from the GetJar App Store. Through an instant one-click transaction, these gold coins can be spent in all participating apps, bypassing the need for micro-payment systems, registration systems or credit cards.

By integrating the GetJar Gold Software Developer’s Kit (SDK) as an in-app purchase mechanism, developers can sell upgrades, items or virtual goods within their apps. They can accept GetJar Gold Virtual Currency on top of existing payment structures.

“Until GetJar Gold Virtual Currency, payment options for apps have been complicated, usually rely on credit cards, and many paid apps are only available in limited countries,” said GetJar chairman, Ilja Laurs. “GetJar Gold Virtual Currency makes apps accessible to everyone, truly rewarding both consumers for downloading high quality apps, and the developers who make them.”