Westpac is trialing Host Card Emulation (HCE) mobile payments and is the first bank in New Zealand to do so, according to an announcement from the financial institution. 

Westpac is using Carta Worldwide's HCE technology during the three-month trial, which is only compatible with Andriod smartphones running the latest software update.

Westpac's Chief Product Officer Shane Howell said the trial is the first step towards a completely digital wallet in New Zealand, and is expected to be available to customers early next year.

“We already use our smartphones to organize so many aspects of our lives, so using them to make payments is just a natural extension of this," he said in statement. "This is the first of four key components we are looking to develop that will make up a digital wallet for Westpac customers.

“The other components we are looking to incorporate are transport cards for buses and trains, loyalty programmes such as Hotpoints and potentially even forms of ID like a driver's license. What we're working towards is a true digital wallet experience that is safe and easy to use.”

Developed in partnership with global payments innovators Carta Worldwide, Wespac said security is a key feature of the digital wallet.   

Carta's Chief Technology Officer Rui Mendes said: “With our advanced, layered security, each individual mobile transaction is protected. HCE enables mobile secure transactions that are compatible with existing contactless terminals. With Carta's advancements in data security along with user app features like mobile PIN, our cloud based solution is just as secure as the existing plastic card.”

The trial includes 40 selected Westpac staff and customers across the country.

View a commercial about the trial in the video below: