Samsung Pay en route to Australia, American Express on-board

Smartphone manufacturer Samsung will soon launch ‘Samsung Pay’ in Australia – a contactless payment option for Android phone users to rival the similar Apple Pay system used on the iPhone – with American Express Australia signed up as a launch partner.

That allows cardholders with personal, small business and corporate American Express cards to make contactless payments using their smartphone at a range of merchants including Coles, Woolworths, and wherever else contactless AMEX card payments can already be made today.

Critically, only American Express cards issued directly by American Express Australia will be supported, at least at launch, with bank-issued AMEX cards from the likes of ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, NAB and Westpac not part of the parcel.

The deal also makes American Express Australia the first Australian credit card issuer to support integrated smartphone payments on both Apple and Android devices.

“We leverage our unique technology and capabilities to provide our customers around the world with seamless, differentiated experiences, giving them more flexibility and choice for how to pay,” said an American Express spokesperson.

“As part of that strategy, we are excited to work with Samsung on the expansion of Samsung Pay for our Card Members in Australia, Canada, Singapore and the U.K.,” the spokesperson added.

A list of compatible Samsung smartphones is yet to be confirmed.

Also read: Apple Pay launches in Australia: what you need to know

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Chris C.

Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.