Android Pay to launch in Australia, adds in-app payments in US

Android Pay
AUSSIE ARRIVAL: Android Pay is going live across Australia in early 2016

Google will launch its Android Pay mobile payment service across Australia in the first half of 2016 with support from several of the country’s major financial institutions, including ANZ, Westpac, Bank of Melbourne, Bank of South Australia, Bendigo Bank, Cuscal, ING Direct, Macquarie Bank and St George. The mobile payment service has also enabled in-app payments in the US.

“When Android Pay arrives in Australia next year, it will support MasterCard and Visa credit and debit cards,” Google says. “We’re also working with Eftpos to support their cards in Android Pay. Aussies will be able to use Android Pay everywhere contactless payments are accepted.

“Many leading retailers are working with us to support the launch of Android Pay, including 7-Eleven, Brumby’s Bakery, Coles Express, Coles Supermarkets, Crust Gourmet Pizza, Domino’s Pizza, Donut King, Gloria Jean’s Coffees, McDonald’s, Michel’s Patisserie, Pizza Capers and Telstra.

“You will also be able to use Android Pay for fast checkout within apps — no more entering your payment or address details every time you want to shop. At launch, we expect this feature will be available in many Aussie apps, including Catch of the Day, EatNow, GoCatch, Kogan.com, Menulog, OzSale, Rewardle and The Iconic.”

Ecosystem

“We’re also working with leading payment providers such as Braintree, eWay, First Data and Stripe to make accepting Android Pay across stores and apps a breeze,” the company adds. “We’re approaching Android Pay the same way we approach every other part of the Android family — partnering with the ecosystem.

“We’re bringing together payment networks, banks and retailers to deliver you choice and flexibility and offering developers an open platform to collectively push mobile payments forward. Stay tuned in 2016 for more information on the launch.”

Android Pay was unveiled during the Google I/O keynote in May 2015 and was launched across the US in September. Apple Pay also launched in Australia in partnership with American Express in November — it is yet to sign up support from any of the country’s big banks.

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