News

Absa intros Masterpass digital wallet

July 22, 2016

South African bank Absa has launched Absa Masterpass app, a MasterCard digital wallet that allows users to make contactless payments via smartphone wherever Masterpass is accepted.

The service currently is available for online purchases; in-store capability will follow, according to a press release from the bank.

Consumers can use the Absa Masterpass wallet to securely store MasterCard or other branded credit, debit or check card information, as well as

shipping and billing address details — eliminating the hassle of entering this information with every purchase, the release said.

"We are seeing a huge change in the way our customers shop and pay for things and the Absa Masterpass app is another step on our mobile banking journey as we respond to the changing needs of our customers," Willie van Zyl, head of card issuing, retail and business banking at Absa, said in the release. "It also gives them access to a smooth shopping experience — from start to finish and in real time."

To pay, consumers simply open the Absa Masterpass app on their smartphone and use the device to scan a QR code displayed on the merchant's website (or, eventually, in-store POS). They then select a payment card and enter their bank PIN on the mobile device to complete the transaction.

The Absa Masterpass app is available from the Google and Apple App stores. Anyone can use the app — even non-Absa cardholders, the release said.