FNB app kisses tap-to-pay goodbye

First National Bank (FNB) has confirmed the discontinuation of its contactless tap-to-pay facility for Android smartphone users.

Jason Viljoen, head of card digitisation at FNB, told TimesLive that the launch and uptake of global digital wallet solutions like Google Wallet drove the decision.

FNB launched tap-to-pay in 2016 following the hype surrounding contactless payment methods through services like Apple Pay and Samsung Pay in the US.

Viljoen said FNB was focusing on simplifying “in-app customer journeys” for Android devices, including offering the ability to register for Google Wallet through the FNB app.

He said the banking app encourages customers to add their virtual cards to the digital wallet.

“In the process of adding the card to Google Wallet, you will be prompted to change your default wallet on your device. Confirm the change of the default to Google Wallet and complete the process,” said Viljoen.

The use of contactless payments is increasing among FNB customers. Last year, the bank said more than 50% of all customer card payments were done using tap-to-pay, while chip and PIN payments continue to decline.

Google Wallet with Google Pay officially launched in South Africa in August 2022, offering support for cards from most major local banks.

Before then, South African Android users could only use Google Pay for in-app and online purchases.

Samsung users have had access to tap-to-pay functionality since August 2018, when Samsung Pay launched in South Africa. It has since been rolled into Samsung Wallet.

The local launch of Google Wallet meant users could link their bank cards and pay merchants with contactless card terminals by tapping their Android-powered smart devices from many other manufacturers.

It featured support for cards from Absa, Discovery Bank, FNB, Investec, RMB, and Standard Bank at launch and offered a far more flexible option for Android users than competing apps.

This is because Google is available on many more smartphone models and devices than competing digital wallet apps such as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Garmin Pay, and Fitbit Pay.

Users require near-field communications (NFC) and host card emulation (HCE)-enabled devices to make contactless payments.

Although Google Wallet is available for iOS devices through the Apple App Store, it doesn’t support Google Pay’s tap-on-phone. iPhone users must instead use Apple Pay.

MyBroadband asked several South African banks for comment on the launch of Google Wallet with Google Pay in South Africa.

Schalk Kotze, head of Standard Bank’s affluent, consumer, and high-net-worth division, said the bank was excited about being involved in the launch.

“We really believe the addition of Google Pay will bring so much more convenience to our clients. It’s so easy to use, it’s simple, it’s very safe,” he said.

Kotze added that Google Wallet would widen accessibility to tap payments in South Africa.

“We will reach so many more clients. If you look at the sheer use and size of our clients on Android, it’s massive,” he said.

Raj Makanjee, retail CEO at FNB, also said millions of the bank’s customers stood to benefit from Google Pay.

Hylton Kallner, CEO at Discovery Bank, said Google Pay is available to all Discovery Bank clients and allows them to continue to earn Discovery Miles on purchases.

Absa said digital wallets like Google Wallet offer more safety than physical wallets.

“Security and privacy are built into every part of Google Wallet to keep all your essentials protected. It is protected with advanced security features from Android phones, like 2-step verification, Find My Phone, and more,” the bank said.