Australian mobile network operator Optus has updated its range of contactless payment accessories to include a SmartCup — a coffee cup that includes the new Optus Pay PayTag in its base allowing consumers to make contactless payments up to US$100 at any payment terminal that accepts Visa PayWave.
SmartCup has been designed in partnership with reusable products manufacturer Frank Green. The accessory joins an Optus Pay product range which includes the Optus Pay Band and the Optus Pay Sticker that were unveiled in February 2016.
Meanwhile, the company has also renamed its Cash by Optus prepaid NFC SIM-based payments service to Optus Pay.
Money on the go
“Frank Green has advanced the smart chip technology found in the base of the reusable cup, enabling Optus Pay customers to tap the cup at any payment terminal that accepts Visa PayWave and pay for a coffee, food or any purchase under US$100,” Optus says.
“The new Optus Pay PayTag is specially designed to attach to a range of popular fitness trackers and watches so customers can take their money with them on the go. Optus Pay accessories use NFC and Visa PayWave technology to directly link to the Optus Pay app on a compatible smartphone and make contactless payments under $100.
“Customers can now add up to four accessories to their facility and switch easily from one to another without the hassle of having to register or deregister every time they want to use a new one. Optus Pay can be linked to any Australian bank account via the Optus Pay app.”
More options
“These new additions were developed to answer customers asking for added convenience and choice, and to provide more options to take their money with them when they are out and about,” adds Ben White, managing director of product and marketing at Optus.”
Optus first explored the possibility of adding wearable accessories to Cash by Optus in March 2015 when it unveiled a prototype watch that could be used to make contactless payments. It added support for prepaid customers in November last year.
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Nice article Rian, I have one of these frank green cups but there does not seem to be anywhere I can use it in Sydney. Maybe this partnership with optus might change this.