As Samsung users have long known, using one’s smartphone to transact is a safer, more secure and private way to pay that helps customers avoid handing their payment card to someone else, touching physical buttons or exchanging cash. Now local iPhone users who bank with Nedbank will be able to enjoy a similar system.

Apple Pay works similarly to Samsung’s offering, with customers only needing to hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a payment terminal to make a contactless payment.

According to Nedbank, every Apple Pay purchase is secure because it is authenticated with Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode, as well as a one-time unique dynamic security code. Apple Pay is accepted in grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, and many more places. 

“The launch of Apple Pay re-affirms our commitment to providing safe and secure digital payments capabilities to our existing and new customers looking to get the most out of available digital channels,” enthused Chipo Mushwana, Nedbank’s Executive of Emerging Payments. “We are constantly thriving to meet our clients’ digital needs by providing convenient payment methods.”

Customers can also use Apple Pay on iPhone, iPad, and Mac to make faster and more convenient purchases in apps or on the web in Safari without having to create accounts or repeatedly type in shipping and billing information.

The bank stressed that security and privacy are at the core of Apple Pay. When customers use a credit or debit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device, nor on Apple servers. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted, and securely stored in the Secure Element, an industry-standard, certified chip designed to store the payment information safely on the device. 

Apple Pay is easy to set up. On iPhone, simply open the Wallet app, tap +, and follow the steps to add Nedbank’s credit or debit cards. Once a customer adds a card to iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac, they can start using Apple Pay on that device right away. 

Customers will continue to receive all of the rewards and benefits offered by Nedbank cards. 

“As the affinity for digital payments grows in the South African market, we strive to ensure that we continue to provide our clients with the most recent and in-demand contactless payment solutions,” concluded Mushwana.