Tag: australia mobile payments

Mobile commerce is growing in Australia

| April 7, 2016

National Australia Bank is finding more momentum in the mobile payments space

Mobile commerce is gaining momentum in Australia, according to the National Australia Bank. The bank has announced that the uptake of new payment platforms has exceeded expectations, with some 18,000 consumers downloading the company’s NAB Pay application. This accounts for approximately 60,000 mobile transactions since the service was launched earlier this year. Other payment platforms are experiencing similar growth in the country as more consumers become comfortable with the concept of mobile commerce.

NAB Pay is gaining popularity among consumers interested in mobile shopping

The NAB Pay application is particularly popular among those purchasing lunch, coffee, and snacks. These consumers are using the app to make purchases at cafes and fast food restaurants at a higher frequency than those using contactless payment cards. During the work week, transactions made through NAB Pay spike during lunchtime and between 6pm and 7pm. As such, the vast majority of transactions are below $100, though some consumers are using NAB Pay to make larger purchases, especially those that are interested in electronics.

Companies are looking to make mobile payments more secure for consumers

Australia - Mobile CommerceMany banks in Australia have begun investing in mobile payments, hoping to provide better services to consumers with smartphones. These investments are beginning to focus on security features, hoping to make the mobile commerce space safer for consumers. Security has long been a major issue for consumers, many of whom believe that their financial information is at risk of exploitation. These concerns have prevented many people from participating in mobile commerce, but as payment services become more secure, many consumers are beginning to use their devices to shop online and in physical stores.

National Australia Bank is establishing a strong position in the mobile commerce market

Australia is becoming a prominent mobile payments market, with several organizations looking to bring their new payment services to the country. The National Australia Bank is becoming a major player in this market, but will be competing with other organizations that have already established a foothold in this space.

Square breaks into the Australian mobile payments market

| March 9, 2016

Square is coming to Australia

Square, a prominent mobile payments firm, has expanded into the Australian market. The company has made its payment service available in the United States, Canada, and Japan, where it has found significant success in the past. While considered successful, Square has been experiencing some turbulence in recent months, largely due to falling stock prospects and growing competition in the mobile commerce space. The growing demand for new payment services in Australia may secure a brighter future for Square if it manages to effectively connect with consumers.

Company has managed to find success by expanding access to mobile commerce among consumers

Square launched in 2009, receiving strong support from several technology companies and organizations interested in mobile payments. The company had developed an accessory for mobile devices that allowed iOS and Android devices to make mobile transactions, even if they were not equipped with NFC technology. This accessory earned Square early popularity among consumers and put the company in direct competition with others that had developed similar accessories for mobile devices.

Square will be offering different products in Australia than it does in the US

Australia - Mobile PaymentsIn Australia, Square will be selling its mobile card reader for $19. Merchants using Square’s mobile payments services will be charged 1.9% per transaction being made. This is somewhat different from what Square offers in the United States, where its mobile card reader is free, but merchants can purchase a full-sized point-of-sale system for $99. In the U.S., merchants are charged 2.75% per mobile transaction being made. Square has not yet announced plans to launch its new contactless payment reader in Australia, but may choose to do so in the future.

Company to compete with Apple in the Australian payments market

Australia is becoming a competitive mobile payments market, with several companies bringing their new payment platforms to the country. Recently, Apple released its payment service in Australia, which Square is set to compete with. Square may find a place in the market among small and medium sized retailers who want to engage mobile consumers more effectively, thereby securing a degree of success in Australia.