RBS customers to be first in the UK to use Apple Pay

The state-backed lender said the facility is “transforming mobile payments with an easy, secure and private way to pay”.

An RBS statement said: “The introduction of Apple Pay is another way NatWest and RBS are making it easier and more secure for customers to do their banking on the move, and just one of the banks’ recent digital innovations to make banking more convenient for customers.”

Other innovations include the integration of Touch ID, where customers can open the NatWest and RBS mobile iOS apps just using a fingerprint, and Get Cash, where customers can withdraw money from an ATM without a bank card by using a text code generated by their mobile banking app.

RBS said that security and privacy is “at the core of Apple Pay” and when a credit or debit card to the platform, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device, nor on Apple servers.

Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted and securely stored in the Secure Element on your device.

Each transaction is authorised with a one-time unique dynamic security code, instead of using the security code from the back of the card.

Stuart Haire, managing director of direct bank for NatWest and RBS said: “We want to be the best bank in the UK for customer service and we know that our customers value simple ways to pay that use the most relevant, secure and private technology. The introduction of Apple Pay allows us to do this. We are delighted to offer Apple Pay and are really excited to be among the first UK banks to offer it to our customers.”

Over 600,000 NatWest and RBS customers with iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will be eligible to use Apple Pay.

In stores, Apple Pay works with iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch. When paying for goods and services within apps, Apple Pay is compatible with iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3.

www.apple.com/apple-pay/