Apple Pay launches in Australia Tomorrow – November 19

After far too long waiting, the time has finally come, Apple Pay launches in Australia tomorrow.  After rolling out in Canada this week, Australia is next with American Express confirming the launch for Thursday, November 19.

Who can use it?

If you’ve got an iPhone 6, 6Plus, 6s, 6s Plus and even an Apple Watch, this is for you.  But for now you will also need a Credit Card issued by American Express.

Who can’t?

If your cards are issued by banks, carrying the Visa or MasterCard logos, or Amex logo on a bank issued card – they won’t work: yet.

Where can you use it?

Loads of places will be Apple Pay ready as of tomorrow – because there isn’t a huge installation required as there was in the USA – in Australia we already have “tap-and-go” infrastructure in the vast majority of stores.

Retailers will include:

• David Jones
• Coles
• Woolworths
• Harris Farm
• Shell
• Myer
• Target
• Bunnings
• McDonalds
• Zara
• Hoyts
• K-Mart
• Officeworks
• Starbucks

Is there a $100 purchase limit?

No! Because your fingerprint is more secure than a PIN the $100 tap-and-go limit will be lifted for ApplePay transactions.  In some stores this may take a couple of weeks to roll out – waiting for a software upgrade at the in-store point of sale, but the good news is the grocery shopping that comes in over $100 can be done with your AMEX via ApplePay

How do I get started?

UPDATE: Click here for our step-by-step instructions on getting started with Apple Pay and American Express Cards

Is it secure?

Hell yes.  Right now, tap-and-go risk is absorbed by the banks and card issuers.  If someone steals your card they can tap away and purchase things up to $100 until you cancel the card or call your bank.

With ApplePay, the transaction is authorised by your fingerprint.  So not only would they need to get your phone from you, not only would they then have to know your phones passcode to get into it, but they would also need your fingerprint.

How does it work?

Frankly this is where its uber cool.  You’ve done your shopping, the total appears, you say you’re paying by card – the amount due appears on the payment terminal.

Take the phone out of your pocket – you don’t even need to turn it on.  Place it close to the payment terminal and the ApplePay screen will appear showing you your cards.  Tap your card and verify your fingerprint – payment approved.

What about the banks?

Well, over to you banks.  You’re the ones making all the cash, and it seems reluctant to share a slice of the action with Apple or whatever the reason – but once people start seeing how easy this is – and yes, its easier than any mobile style tap and go you’ve currently got with your bank – people will demand it.  So, why wait?  Time to launch huh?