CommBank app nows lets loads of Androids Tap & Pay

Commonwealth Bank has updated its popular CommBank app (download link) and will now allow any Android powered phone to make cashless purchases at compatible EFTPOS terminals across Australia.

Previously, only bank customers with a Samsung Galaxy S4 could take advantage of Tap & Pay payments without the use of a specially designed sticker affixed to the phone.

Following the release of the update, any Android phone with Near Field Communication (NFC) running on Android version 4.4 or higher can make use of this extremely convenient functionality. Payments can be made using your phone at PayPass and PayWave terminals, on purchases up to $100.

Customers with an iPhone model, including the new, NFC-capable, iPhone 6 will need to continue using a separate NFC sticker to make purchases with their phones.

The CommBank App has users set up Tap & Pay before using it for the first time, choosing which account to associate payments with and setting up a unique numeric password for the service. When you go to use it in stores, you open the app, tap on the button and enter your passcode. Once ready, you hold your phone to the EFTPOS terminal and wait for a buzz.

We gave the Tap & Pay option a quick test this morning with a Huawei Mate 7 and found it worked as well, and as quickly as with a PayPass able credit card, but with the added benefit of displaying your current balance onscreen, so you can be confident that you have the cash before committing to a purchase.

The update to the CommBank App comes without fanfare from the bank — suggesting it is hoping to test out how well it works with a smaller group of tech savvy customers before they begin spruiking this option to more and more customers.

Joseph Hanlon

Editorial Director | X | LinkedIn

Joe Hanlon has been immersed in mobile phones, plans and the internet for over a decade, having written for publications like CNET, Techradar, Gizmodo and Lifehacker. He steers the editorial ship and makes sure that we are always serving up the most useful guides and recommendations. If you ever bump into Joe on the street, don't be afraid to ask for a phone recommendation. It's embarrassing how much he enjoys talking about this stuff. He also loves listening to podcasts, so feel free to email Joe with recommendations.

Read full bio