16 February 2016

ABK adds NFC capabilities to Visa premium credit and prepaid cards

Source: ABK. Hand waves a credit card in front of a reader to show the quick and easy wireless payments possible with "Tap 'n' Go".
Source: ABK. ABK adds NFC capabilities to Visa premium credit and prepaid cards.

Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) recently announced the launch of the all new Tap 'n' Go service that is now available for Visa premium credit and prepaid cardholders. The new service uses Visa payWave, a contactless payment technology that enables cardholders to simply wave or tap their card on contactless payment terminals without the need to physically swipe or insert the card into a point-of-sale.

Tap 'n' Go uses near field communication (NFC) technology and allows customers to conduct low value transactions in a faster, more convenient and secure way at any terminal that accepts Visa payWave.

Stewart Lockie, GM - Retail Banking at ABK said: “The launch of the new Tap 'n' Go service is one step further towards applying the Bank’s Simpler Banking strategy, which has been a priority. ABK’s Emirates Visa Infinite, Signature and Gold Prepaid Travel cardholders can apply for a Visa payWave-enabled card at any of the bank's branches.”

“Visa is pleased with Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait’s decision to implement Visa’s payWave technology, which is in line with Visa’s objectives to provide easy, secure, and convenient payment solutions to our consumers in Kuwait. Delivering a seamless payment experience to our customers is a priority for us. Visa’s innovation leadership means extending the benefits of electronic payments to more people in more places where and when they want them — whether they choose traditional cards, Visa payWave-enabled cards or smartphones with Visa mobile payment functionality,” said Amit Vij, Kuwait Country Manager at Visa.

Visa payWave is accepted globally and is specifically of value when transacting in fast-paced locations like supermarkets, and public transport in cities in Europe and in Singapore.