Westpac Group last major to bite on Apple Pay

Today’s announcement that the Westpac Group is joining the Apple Pay platform is a win for customers, who have grown increasingly frustrated at the banks’ limited payment technologies.

St. George, Bank of Melbourne and BankSA customers in particular will welcome today’s news, knowing they now have access to Apple Pay in time for Christmas.

Westpac customers will be glad to know there is an end in sight but will be left scratching their heads as to why they have to wait six more months for their access.

Apple Pay launched in Australia in late 2015, with ANZ being the first major bank to offer the platform to its customers in 2016, followed by CBA and NAB earlier this year. Dozens of smaller banks have also joined the platform, leaving Westpac to fall behind.

Sally Tindall, research director at RateCity.com.au, said, “The end is finally in sight for Westpac customers, but many will be wondering why they have to wait another six months to access a platform that’s been on the wrists and screens of other big bank customers for years.”

“Even some smaller banks and card issuers have competed fiercely in this field, offering up the three main platforms to their customers.

“By dragging the chain on Apple Pay technology, Westpac was jeopardising some of the bank’s existing customers, and potential new ones.

“Westpac has realised that some Australians would rather switch banks than brands of phones in order to get the right payment technology in their pocket.”

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