Danske Bank has announced that from today, its customers will be able to use Google Pay™ to pay in shops, online, in apps and more.  This makes Danske the first of the big four Northern Ireland banks to support the main contactless payment services currently available.

Danske Bank customers can already use Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Garmin Pay and Fitbit Pay and it says this wide range of ways to pay will make everyday banking easier for customers.

Kris Thompson, Head of Digital Customer Experience said: “Essentially, Google Pay functions as a digital version of a contactless bank card, using compatible Android devices such as smartphones or smartwatches.

“It means customers can just tap their phone on the contactless reader at the till and not have to worry about digging out their card or carrying around lots of cash.

“For us, it’s about investing in providing even greater choice in the way our customers pay for products and services, making life that bit easier for today’s busy consumers.”

According to the latest OFCOM Communications Market Report, smartphone owners in Northern Ireland have grown to 76%.

Google Pay is a fast, simple way to pay at millions of places – on sites, in apps, and in stores, it works anywhere contactless payments are accepted.  It protects your payment info with multiple layers of security, using one of the world’s most advanced security infrastructures to help keep your account safe.

To add a Danske Bank card to Google Pay takes just a few moments. Customers just download the app from Google Play or the App Store and follow the instructions there. Google Pay can also be set up online by visiting pay.google.com.

ENDS

Notes to editors