Apple Pay Launching in Australia Through eWAY

Australian consumers have long awaited the released of Apple Pay, the mobile payment system offered on iOS devices.

Earlier in the week Australian online payment gateway firm eWAY announced the arrival of Apple Pay through its own services. Although the services will be limited, eWAY said that with time, more options and services would be added. eWay, based in Canberra, has existed as an online payment processor since 1998. The move into Australia is part of Apple’s larger plan to expand globally, especially within the Asia Pacific region.

Australia already has widespread use of contactless credit card payments, but many iPhone and Apple Watch users have pushed for Apple Pay adoption for ease of use for some time. So far, only American Express cards will work with the Australian version of Apple Pay. The cards must be issues through American Express, not bank-issued Amex cards.

There are further ongoing discussions to accept MasterCard and Visa payments, but the talks rely on negotiations between the relevant parties. Reports have emerged that Apple is attempting to find a cost-effective fee system that both parties can agree on.

The move by Apple to expand into Australia comes at a time when financial technology firms are pushing new online and mobile payment systems across boarders. “Our goal has always been to ensure Australian merchants are able to offer the most innovative, seamless payment solutions to their customers,” said eWAY founder and CEO Matt Bullock.

“Offering Apple Pay with our SmartPOS devices will undoubtedly help merchants improve the payments experience for their customers and, in turn, increase their revenue.” Apple also recently launched its payment service in Canada this week, with further launches happening in Spain, Singapore and Hong Kong next year.