ANZ releases Android mobile payments app

ANZ bank has launched its mobile payments app, allowing customers with an Android smartphone to make contactless payments.

Customers with a smartphone running the Android 4.4 (KitKat) operating system or higher and a near field communication reader can download ANZ Mobile Pay to turn their phone into a virtual credit or debit card.

The app uses ANZ Falcon technology, which automatically detects any usual activity in transactions. For payments that are $100 and more, users need to enter their credit or debit card pins into the payment terminal.

There are three different ways to make payments. The first is to ‘wake to pay’, where users press the side button on their phones to take it off sleep mode and tap to make a payment without unlocking the phone.

The second is to unlock the phone and launch ANZ Mobile pay app to make a payment. And the third is to launch the app and enter a passcode to make a payment.

To configure the app and start making payments, users tap their card against the phone, enter their date of birth and mobile number, and choose their preferred payment option.

Users can add multiple cards to the app, and switch between cards by scrolling through the carousel when opening the app.

The app can also be used to withdraw money from an ANZ ATM. Users hold their phone to the contactless symbol on the right of the PIN pad, then enter their card PIN to make a withdrawal.

“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,” said ANZ managing director of products and marketing, Matt Boss.

Last month, NAB launched its mobile payments app for Android smartphone, which uses the Visa Token Service in Australia.

In March 2015, Commonwealth Bank made contactless payments available on Android smartphones. The bank also offers PayTag stickers that users can attach to their smartphones for other devices, including the Apple iPhone.