Yesterday we listed 6 more Australian financial institutions that had gone live for Google’s mobile payment system Android Pay. Unfortunately for some, their banks weren’t on that list. We had heard support for more banks was just around the corner, and with CUA finally getting their customers on board, we touched base with ING Direct.
ING Direct confirmed they’ll be launching support for their customers next week (Wednesday 24 August). Thanks Alissa!
Hi Duncan – we have a date!!! Next Wednesday 24 August Android Pay will be available. ^Alissa
— ING Australia (@ING_Aust) August 18, 2016
If you’re an ING customer with a Visa Debit Card this should be great news. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait until next Wednesday to find out who else is joining the growing number of Australian Banks, Credit Unions etc to sign up for Android Pay. No one else is showing their cards, yet.
We have heard from Westpac’s customer support team that they are in fact still working with Google on releasing Android Pay to their customers in the future. This is great news for Westpac customers. Westpac’s other brands (including Bank SA, Bank of Melbourne and St George) are advising their customers in similar terms.
Westpac is working w/Google to launch Android Pay soon, no ETA just yet. We'll be sure to let customers know when available. ~Niki
— Westpac Bank (@Westpac) August 18, 2016
The stern refusal of Commonwealth Bank and National Bank, two of the largest banks in the country, to add support for the Android Pay, and other mobile payment systems feels very self-serving and definitely not customer focused.
We are hearing from a lot of readers that they are either completely leaving these institutions, or moving over at least their credit card accounts. If your institution isn’t going to support the payment method that YOU want to use I think it’s time you found a new bank, don’t you?
What bank do you hope gets added on Wednesday? Let us know and we’ll try to reach out to them.
