Android Pay has been around for a few months, and while not everyone is yet able to use their phones to make purchases, more banks are showing their interest. Yesterday we saw TD Bank customers get the news, and now it's M&T Bank's turn. Folks scattered from western New York down to Virginia now have the option to add their cards.
While we're passing through Washington DC, let's discuss PenFed. The Pentagon Federal Credit Union has announced that it will support both Android Pay and Samsung Pay. Support for Visa credit cards is rolling out now.
PenFed American Express cards are expected to work in spring 2016. Hopefully things go smoothly by then, because this is one customer base with the resources to figure out what's up.
PRESS RELEASE
Android Pay Available for M&T Bank Customers
BUFFALO, N.Y., Dec. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning today, M&T Bank customers can add their M&T Bank debit or credit card to Android Pay, the convenient way to pay with an Android phone. The free new service from Google allows customers to use their Android phone (running 4.4 or higher) to pay for purchases at more than one million stores across the U.S.
M&T Bank customers can load their M&T Bank debit or credit cards to Android Pay to make payments at merchants that accept contactless payments. Customers do not need to have their card with them to make a payment – purchases can be made by simply unlocking their phone and placing it over the terminal.
"For smartphone users, we understand their device can assist in many aspects of their day-to-day lives, including being their digital wallet," said Paris Roselli, M&T Bank Senior Vice President of Digital and Telephone Banking. "Android Pay is a great complement to our credit and debit card products, and this enhancement reflects our efforts to invest in services that improve the customer experience."
Android Pay is supported by an industry-standard technology called "tokenization," where a unique virtual account number is generated and stored on the Android device. The virtual account number provides an extra layer of security because the card number is not stored on the phone, or transmitted when a payment is made.
Android Pay is the latest in a series of digital services enhancements from M&T Bank to make managing finances more convenient. In 2014, M&T Bank launched Apple Pay, a new M&T Online Banking channel and M&T InfoPLU$ for Mobile and Tablet, an application for commercial banking customers, as well as redesigned the M&T Mobile Banking and M&T Mobile Banking for Business applications.
For more information on Android Pay, visit mtb.com/digitalwallet.
PRESS RELEASE
PenFed Expands Digital Wallet Offering With Samsung Pay and Android Pay
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- PenFed Credit Union announced today that they will be adding Samsung Pay and Android Pay™ options to their digital wallet offerings.
These additions serve to expand the already wide-range of payment options, including Apple Pay, when PenFed members use their Visa credit cards. Android Pay and Samsung Pay digital wallet options for PenFed American Express cards are expected to be available in spring 2016.
"PenFed is always looking for new opportunities to improve and enhance our credit card programs for our members," said Kevyn Myers, executive vice president and chief operating officer with PenFed. "As mobile banking becomes even more popular, it is important that PenFed stay abreast of the latest technological advances and trends."
Samsung Pay is simple, secure and works almost anywhere you can swipe or tap your card. Samsung Pay works with more retailers than any other mobile payment service.
Android Pay can be used to make in-store purchases, as well as to buy items within mobile apps. Android Pay is available at more than one million stores.
"We take pride in offering innovative and dynamic cards that appeal to all of our cardholders. By making multiple digital payment options available to our cardholders, they get to enjoy the best in the latest mobile device trends, combined with some of the best cards available in the industry," said Myers.