A guide to using mobile payments

Life can get complicated at times, but making payments on the go is now easier than ever. With ultra-secure mobile payments, you can make contactless payments from your bank account using your phone or digital device. From smartphones to fitness watches, your favourite devices can now double as your very own digital wallet and be used to make payments everywhere from restaurants to online retail stores.

What are mobile payments

Mobile payments allow you to store your credit or debit card information within your mobile device, and make contactless payments on the go – no wallet required! Your bank connects to your digital device (for example iPhones, mobiles, smart watches, tablets) by integrating with mobile payment systems like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Garmin Pay.

Mobile payments are a fast, easy and secure alternative to physical cards and cash, and can be used anywhere contactless payments are accepted, including online and in-app payments. As long as you’ve got your device, you’re always able to pay.

Are mobile payments safe?

Put simply, yes. “Security wise, the mobile wallet beats plastic,” says Bendigo Bank Head of Cards and Payments, Arun Devidas. However, it’s important to ensure you’re on top of your device security, like updating passwords regularly and enabling Face ID, fingerprint recognition or passcodes.

“When you go to pay, Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode are required to complete purchases [on your devices]. This means if the kids or someone else gets your phone, they won’t be able to hit the shops. Your card details are safe,” explains Arun.

In addition, mobile payments don’t actually share your card number with merchants. “Mobile payments take your plastic card number and swap it out for what we call a token, which is used to process the payment. If anything happens to your phone, your card isn’t compromised.”

How to set up mobile payments on your device

Follow the instructions on your device, whether a mobile phone, laptop, or fitness watch, and input your card details when prompted.

When you make a mobile payment, hover your device over the contactless point of sale unit. If paying online, select Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay or Garmin Pay as the payment method. Your device will prompt you to pass facial recognition, fingerprint recognition or passcode security, and then you’ll hear the contactless beep when your transaction is processed. Your transaction will appear on your account immediately.

Benefits of mobile payments

There are many benefits to using mobile payments, including:

• Never be without your wallet. As long as your device has power, you can make payments anywhere you see the contactless payment symbol.
• Make payments when it matters most. Caught out without your wallet? No problem, pay with your device.
• Less to carry. As a fast digital alternative to cards and cash, mobile payments allow you to travel lighter.
• Fast, seamless checkout experience. Mobile payments make online and in-app purchases simpler than ever – perfect for shopping the sales from the comfort of your couch.
• Safe and secure. Mobile payments are a secure way to pay on the go.
• No lost card hassles. If your card is lost or misplaced and it’s temporarily blocked, you can still shop using mobile payments.
• Hygienic, touch-free payments. Whether you’re paying for your morning coffee or catching public transport, mobile payments minimise your contact with surfaces.
• Make payments on the go. With mobile payments, you can be out for a run, at the beach, shopping the sales, or out socialising with friends and still make fast and secure payments without your wallet.
• Store several cards within one device. Store multiple cards within your digital device, and select which to use at the point of payment.

Mobile payments with Bendigo Bank

Bendigo Bank customers can quickly and easily connect their credit or debit card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Garmin Pay. “Each year we see an increase in people using mobile payments to pay as trust in the technology grows,” explains Arun. Guides for your device can be found on our mobile payments page.