Tag Archives: Google Pay

Alliance Bank Expanding Payment Options with Samsung Wallet & Google Wallet

Alliance Bank Malaysia has partnered with Samsung and Google to offer its customers greater convenience and security through two popular mobile payment platforms – Samsung Pay and Google Pay. This collaboration allows Alliance Bank Visa credit cardholders to seamlessly integrate their cards with the Samsung Wallet and Google Wallet apps and make contactless payments at millions of merchants worldwide.

This strategic move aligns perfectly with Alliance Bank’s commitment to providing innovative and user-friendly payment solutions. By leveraging Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, both Samsung Pay and Google Pay empower cardholders to tap and pay securely using their Android smartphones or wearables. Whether shopping online, browsing in-store, or utilizing public transportation, Alliance Bank customers can now enjoy a hassle-free payment experience with just a tap of their device.

Alliance Bank Samsung Wallet Google Wallet
From Left: Gan Pai Li, Group Chief Consumer Banking Officer, Alliance Bank; Charles Kim, President, Samsung Malaysia; Kellee Kam, Group Chief Executive Officer, Alliance Bank; Previn Pillay, Head of Global Acquirers, Visa.

This partnership goes beyond simply offering new payment options. It significantly expands the capabilities of Alliance Bank’s award-winning Visa Platinum Virtual Credit Card (VCC). Previously known for its secure online transactions with Dynamic Card Number (DCN) technology (generating unique, temporary card numbers for single-use purchases), the VCC can now be used for in-store purchases as well. This integration with Samsung Wallet and Google Wallet creates a versatile payment platform that caters to the growing demand for mobile payment solutions, particularly among tech-savvy customers seeking secure and flexible options.

“We continuously innovate our customer-centric propositions to deliver greater value and convenience,” said Mr. Kellee Kam, Group Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Bank. “In today’s fast-paced world, security and ease of transaction are paramount when transacting digitally. With Samsung Pay and Google Pay integrated across all our Visa credit card products, including the Visa Platinum Virtual Credit Card with its unique card number generation, customers can now enjoy the same level of high security and flexibility for in-store payments as they do for online transactions.” The collaboration makes Alliance Bank one of the banks whose products – virtual or otherwise – are integrated with digital payment wallets like Samsung Wallet and Google Wallet via the respective Pay platforms. This is becoming increasingly important as users move to rely on digital payments and aggregate wallets native to their smartphones. This also expands user choice beyond just Apple Pay.

Representatives from both Samsung and Google echoed these sentiments. Charles Kim, President of Samsung Malaysia Electronics, highlighted their commitment to “revolutionizing the future of mobile technology” by enabling effortless and secure transactions through Samsung Wallet. Serene Gay, Group Country Manager for Visa, emphasized the growing importance of mobile contactless payments and lauded Alliance Bank for contributing to this growth in Malaysia.

To incentivize cardholders to utilize Samsung Wallet, Alliance Bank is offering an RM5 e-voucher at select merchants during a promotional period. Additionally, the top spenders using Samsung Wallet throughout the campaign will have a chance to win exciting prizes like the latest Galaxy smartphones and smartwatches. Furthermore, Alliance Bank Visa credit cardholders can enjoy a Buy-One-Free-One ice cream scoop offer at Inside Scoop stores when paying with Samsung Wallet or Google Wallet until March 2025.

This partnership aligns strategically with Alliance Bank’s broader vision of enhancing its digital offerings and fostering deeper customer engagement. The Bank has witnessed a significant increase in digital customer acquisition, with 40% of new customers joining in FY2024 through digital channels, particularly within the emerging affluent segment. The success of the VCC with Dynamic Card Number technology (over 70,000 new cards approved since its launch in April 2023) further underscores the growing demand for innovative digital solutions from Alliance Bank.

RHB Bank Visa Cards Get Google Pay Compatibility

Good news for RHB Bank customers! Thanks to the bank’s integration with Google Pay, you can now ditch your physical wallet for everyday transactions. This exciting announcement allows users to make secure and convenient contactless payments through their Android smartphones using their RHB Visa debit and credit cards.  

Screenshot 2024 07 26 at 11 09 50 Google Pay RHB Malaysia
Source: RHB Bank Malaysia

Previously, RHB customers were left out of the Google Pay party, with the platform only supporting a limited number of Malaysian banks. However, with this recent integration, RHB joins the ranks of other major financial institutions like Maybank, Public Bank, and CIMB, offering its customers a seamless mobile payment experience.  

Unlocking Convenience with Google Pay

Adding your RHB Visa card to Google Pay is a straightforward process. Simply open the Google Wallet app on your Android phone and navigate to the “Add Card” section. You can either scan your card using your phone’s camera or manually enter the details. Once your card is verified, you’re ready to start making contactless payments at any terminal displaying the Google Pay or contactless payment symbol.

Screenshot 2024 07 26 at 11 09 58 Google Pay RHB Malaysia
Source: RHB Bank Malaysia

Security remains a top concern for mobile payments. Google Pay utilizes multiple layers of security to ensure your financial information is protected. When you make a payment, a unique encrypted token is generated instead of your actual card number, minimizing the risk of fraud in case of data breaches. Additionally, Google Pay leverages your phone’s security features, such as fingerprint verification or PIN, for added peace of mind.  

Benefits Beyond Convenience

The integration with Google Pay offers several advantages for RHB customers:

  • Faster Transactions: Forget fiddling with cash or swiping your card. Google Pay allows for swift and hassle-free payments, keeping you moving through your day.
  • Enhanced Security: As mentioned earlier, Google Pay employs robust security measures to protect your financial information.  
  • Improved Tracking and Management: View your transaction history and manage your spending directly within the Google Wallet app.  
  • Rewards Integration: While not explicitly mentioned, some banks allow users to earn rewards points when making purchases through Google Pay. It’s worth checking with RHB to see if such benefits apply.

What About Other Card Types?

While the current integration focuses on RHB Visa cards, there’s no information on whether other card networks like Mastercard will be supported in the future. It’s advisable to keep an eye on RHB’s official announcements for any updates regarding additional card network compatibility.