In press briefing for the launch of Android Pay in Canada, Google’s director of emerging platforms, Spencer Spinnell, told journalists that Interac debit cards will be supported beginning June 5th.
In a statement to MobileSyrup, Interac further detailed that it will support all active Interac debit cards issued by BMO Financial Group, CIBC, Desjardins and Scotiabank, including cards that are not Interac Flash enabled. As with Android Pay credit cards, users can pay by simply tapping their phone for purchases up to $100, but above $100, extra authentication (in the form of password or fingerprint, for instance) is required to make the purchase.
“We’re excited to team up with Google, as well as our participating financial institution partners, to bring Interac Debit on Android Pay to Canadians,” said Mark O’Connell, president and CEO of Interac Association and Acxsys Corporation in a statement.
“As the payment landscape evolves, we strive to offer Canadians innovative and seamless payment experiences that are fast, secure and increasingly more digital. The launch of Android Pay in Canada will give Interac debit cardholders yet another way to pay using their own money.”
Android Pay allows users to make contactless payments using their smartphone. It launched in Canada on May 31st for Visa and Mastercards with the following institutions:
BMO, CIBC, Banque Nationale, Scotiabank, Desjardins, President’s Choice Financial, ATB Financial and Canadian Tire Financial Services support Android Pay. Furthermore, support for American Express cards and Tangerine will be coming soon, says Google.
Update 31/05/17: Updated information regarding over $100 authentication.
