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New Zealand finally gets Android Pay - but only if you're with BNZ
Mon, 5th Dec 2016
FYI, this story is more than a year old

Android users can finally rejoice as Android Pay is now officially available in New Zealand - the sixth country in the world to get the service.

But there's a monopoly: The contactless payment service is so far only available to BNZ Flexi Debit Visa cardholders, and through a setup process customers will be able to pay for goods in-store with a tap of their phone.

Customers must have an Android device running KitKat 4.4 or later and NFC capability. Install the Android Pay app and take a photo of the Visa card to add it to the app. Customers must also have the BNZ Mobile Banking app on their phone to verify their details.

For purchases under $80, no PIN is required. The app doesn't need to be open and active to process payments and the company says security is being taken very seriously.

"BNZ Android Pay is powered by Visa payWave and secured by Visa Token Service which provides a new layer of security for mobile payments.Tokenisation replaces the 16-digit card account number with a unique digital identifier called a 'token' that can be used for card payments in the digital world, without exposing a cardholder's more sensitive account information,” says Marty Kerr, country manager, Visa New Zealand and South Pacific.

In addition, if a customer's device is lost or stolen, Android Device Manager can be used to lock, secure or wipe data from it, BNZ says.

“We see clear benefits in bringing Android Pay to New Zealand for BNZ customers - for many, it'll be the first time they can shop without their wallet. As the uptake of contactless payments increases there will be more places to pay with just a tap of your phone. It's about simplicity and convenience in payment options for your everyday banking," says BNZ director of products and technology David Bullock.

The company is also teaming with The Salvation Army to boost the charity's annual Christmas gift appeal. BNZ Android Pay Back will offer select customers the ability to shop for $10,000 worth of gifts for the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal.

“At BNZ, we're pleased to have negotiated this technology first for our customers and look forward to the roll out of this in the New Year. Partnering with Google opens doors to exciting opportunities in the future as technology, digital banking and customer needs continue to evolve,” Bullock says.

So far Android Pay is available at many retail stores, including Animates, Countdown, Farmers, JB Hi-Fi, Kathmandu, New World, Noel Leeming, Pak'n'Save, Paper Plus, Rebel Sport and The Warehouse.