Media releases
On the money: Westpac makes wearable payments fashionable
PayWear cards are no longer included in our contactless payment options.
10 October, 2018
Westpac customers now have more choice and flexibility when it comes to contactless payments, as the bank launches ‘Centsitive Objects’ – a new designer range of wearable accessories available from today.
Designed exclusively for Westpac by leading Australian designer Hayden Cox, the new collection expands Westpac’s existing PayWear Essentials range.
Offering modern, simplistic and functional styles, Centsitive Objects now gives customers more options to wear their PayWear to make contactless payments, the same way they would purchase something with their debit card or smartphone.
Jenny Melhuish from Westpac said: “We know personal style and choice matters to our customers; in fact we’ve found 38% of Australians find style important when it comes to wearable devices, and 71% would use a wearable if it fits their personal style and lifestyle.”
Westpac research shows more than half (57%) of Australians identify debit cards as their preferred method to make payments, and 41% use their bank card to make a payment at least once a day.
“Our customers are increasingly on-the-go with more than 56,000 now using PayWear to support their everyday transactions. So we’ve evolved our existing range of accessories to create something special that offers a sleek, subtle and convenient way to tap-and-pay,” said Jenny.
A first of its kind in the payment wearables space in Australia, the new designer range of accessories will offer five new, innovative styles:
- Band + Chain – a convertible two-in-one keychain made from recyclable materials that can be disassembled and worn as a waterproof wristband
- Slimline Keeper – a subtle silicone tag that can be added to your existing watch or fitness band
- Centsitive Patch – an iron or sew-on patch that can be hidden on clothing or accessories
- Nostalgia Pin – iconic safety pin design with an attached keeper hidden beneath clothing
- Incognito Pin – an ultra-minimalist option attached to a keeper with four interchangeable ‘topper’ designs – including a lightning bolt and half sphere
Each design includes a secure pouch that holds a PayWear Card linked to the customer’s everyday transaction account, and can be attached to different articles of clothing allowing customers to tap-and-pay with their shirt sleeve, gym towel, hat or even their set of keys.
“As Australia’s first bank, it was important for us to also work with a local designer, and are really proud of the unique collection we’ve created together with Hayden,” said Jenny.
Designer Hayden Cox said: “When developing this range I wanted to create something that was relevant and multi-functional that supports the Australian way of life, as well as a diverse range of tastes and preferences. It was really important for the range to blend seamlessly into different daily routines – resulting in a collection of clean-line, modern and versatile designs.
“As a designer, I am so honoured to be working with Westpac on what is essentially introducing a new category to the Australian market. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process, from creating the prototypes by hand myself, to seeing them through to the final packaged product.”
Westpac’s Centsitive Objects range follows a number of recent innovations launched by the bank, including Siri for Westpac which enables customers to make payments through voice technology, and a new mobile cheques feature which allows customers to cash a cheque via Westpac’s mobile banking app.
The new Centsitive Objects wearable payment accessories are priced between $20 and $30.
ENDS
Media enquiries
Emalie McPherson
emalie.mcpherson@westpac.com.au
0481 915 557
About Westpac PayWear and the PayWear Essentials range
Westpac PayWear is a chip (PayWear Card) linked to a customer’s chosen Westpac everyday bank account which can be inserted into an accessory from the Essentials or Centsitive Objects ranges. PayWear uses the same contactless technology as a Debit Mastercard®. With PayWear, customers can simply tap their PayWear wherever contactless payments are accepted and the transaction will be debited from their chosen everyday bank account – removing the need to have their debit card or smartphone with them to make a payment. In order to use Westpac PayWear, customers will need to have a Westpac everyday bank account that can be linked to a Debit Mastercard and be registered for online and mobile banking. Not available for business, corporate, institutional or government customers.
The Essentials range is available as a Keeper that attaches to an existing watch or fitness band, and a Band, to wear on your wrist. Both the Keeper and Band are waterproof, made from high tear strength silicone and available in a range of colours.
About the ‘Centsitive Objects’ range
Centsitive Objects is designed and manufactured exclusively for Westpac by award-winning Sydney designer and surf innovator, Hayden Cox. The range is a blend of modern, simplistic and stylish accessories suited for multi-purpose use and those with an active lifestyle.