ANZ is the latest bank to enter the mobile payments space

The local mobile payments race has welcomed its latest entrant with ANZ launching its own app, ANZ Mobile Pay.

Bank logo, ANZ App

The local mobile payments race has welcomed its latest entrant with ANZ launching its own app, ANZ Mobile Pay.

The app is available to ANZ customers using Android phones, allowing them to turn their device into a virtual credit or debit card with the broadest range of cards on offer

According to the bank, customers will be able to add their existing credit or debit card and then use their phone to make contactless purchases at retail ­locations and use contactless-enabled ATMs.

Matt Boss, ANZ managing director products and marketing, said the Australian payments landscape was evolving quickly as customers continued to gravitate towards mobile-based services.

“Given Australians are already the most prolific users of contactless payments in the world and the fact that Android is a major player in the local smartphone market, we believe ANZ Mobile Pay will be a popular addition for many of our customers,” Mr Boss said.

The ANZ Mobile Pay app is available for download from the Google Play store and customers are then required to tap their card against the phone, enter their date of birth and mobile number and finally choose their preferred payment option. They will be required to enter their PIN for all payments over $100.

ANZ’s move to launch a purpose-built app comes as the bank gets ready to roll out the Android Pay service once it lands in Australia.

“We want them (customers) to transact using their channel of choice,” a bank spokesman told The Australian.

Commonwealth Bank already has an established digital wallet service that can be used on Android phones, while Westpac’s mobile banking app offers tap-and-go functionality to customers with Samsung smartphones. NAB recently launched its comprehensive mobile payment service, NAB Pay, that allows customers using Android phones to make purchases without the need for a physical card. The service is available as part of the NAB Mobile internet banking app.