Finally, Westpac seems to be entering the final preparations to launch Android Pay support for their customers. That’s right it looks like Westpac’s perpetual ‘coming soon’ may have actually arrived. I’m not sure I’d call almost 6 months soon but let’s not split hairs.
Our sources are telling us that Westpac is now ready to proceed with Android Pay, and that it may even launch before the end of 2016. At launch, Westpac will support both credit cards and debit cards.
Westpac was one of the banks originally announced as being on board for the launch of Android Pay in Australia. Then when the list of launch bands was announced Westpac was missing from that list.
Shortly after Westpac, along with a cabal of other banks, approached the ACCC to request permission to collectively boycott and bargain with Apple, Google and Samsung about mobile payments. Long story short, that banks are now refocusing their efforts at Apple, which makes a lot more sense.
Once launched this will make Westpac the second major bank to put aside their quest for domination of their own platform and adopt a consumer friendly attitude towards open mobile payment systems. Time will tell us if the rest of Australia’s draconian banks fall into line, CBA and NAB, the ball is in your court.
Remember in 2016, it’s easy to switch credit card providers with there being little to no real difference between providers these days.
Are you a Westpac customer? Have you been waiting for Android Pay? Let us know below.
