Not anytime soon in Australia.
Westpac has announced that it is rolling out its new banking app for the Apple Watch, but you still can't use it as a payment device to replace your old debit cards.
Customers will have access to account balances, finding the nearest ATM or branch, and receiving travel notifications at the airport to advise the bank of their travel plans.
“Around 370,000 smart watches were purchased by Australians last year, highlighting the voracious appetite for new technology devices. By offering secure banking on the latest Apple device we are giving our customers even more choice in how they want to interact with us," said Westpac’s general manager digital, Harry Wend.
The update also includes St George's banking apps, which is a part of Westpac Group.
“We will be enhancing the app on an ongoing basis, and following the success of our Android smartwatch app, we’re confident the Apple Watch app will be a big hit for our growing number of customers banking on the go.” said St.George’s CIO Dhiren Kulkarni.
However users will not be able to use their watches as a payment device, via Apple pay or any other contactless payment method, one of the key headline features Tim Cook outlined at the product's launch. Apple Pay has yet to launch in Australia, so the apps are little more than augmentations on existing smartphone banking apps.
Customers will also need the latest version of their Westpac or St.George Mobile Banking app installed on their iPhone 5 or better, paired with their Apple Watch.
