ANZ adds eftpos cards to Apple Pay – more choice, but still the only one of the big four

In a pretty big deal, Australian’s own payment network eftpos is now working with ApplePay, making it the first country specific payment platform in the world to activate on the digital wallet platform for Apple users.

eftpos is owned by the big banks, but that hasn’t stopped them sorting the technical requirements to enable ApplePay for ANZ customers with eftpos cards.

This is not the first “Debit” access to Apple Pay – in any Aussie bank, or ANZ – currently ANZ VISA Debit card holders can use Apple Pay, as can VISA Credit customers.

To be clear, you’ll know if this is you, because of the “eftpos” logo in the bottom right corner of your card.

Around 1.6 million ANZ customers have eftpos cards, which is half that of the other big payment platforms, however opening this up takes away a point of confusion for ANZ customers who see the signs and ads about ApplePay but can’t add their cards.

eftpos Acting CEO, Mr Paul Jennings, was pleased with the announcement “Today marks a significant milestone for eftpos as we move from our traditional card based payment method into mobile, enabling consumers with an iPhone or Apple Watch to choose the eftpos account they wish their mobile payment to be made from, being either their eftpos CHQ/SAV account. Customers can set their account preference out of CHQ/SAV and then save themselves entering their account each time they pay. After providing trusted, secure card-based payments for 30 years, eftpos can now also be used to make mobile payments,” Mr Jennings said.

ANZ Managing Director Products, Mr Bob Belan said: “ANZ has been at the forefront of mobile payment services for some time now. Today’s announcement offers our customers yet another great option for making convenient and secure purchases using their mobile device.

“We know from experience that Australian consumers increasingly want to use mobile payment services and so we’re happy to be working with eftpos in enabling Apple Pay as an option for our 1.6 million ANZ eftpos Access cardholders.”

So, if your ANZ card says “eftpos” in the bottom right corner under the card number – fire up your iPhone and get tapping and paying!