From today, an industry-wide EFTPOS update may affect some debit card payments made using mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
"This update will only impact a small number of customers and banks will be reaching out to those customers who need to take action," Australian Banking Association (ABA) CEO Anna Bligh said.
Here's who may be affected and how to fix the issue.
What's behind it?
Australian Payments Plus (AP+) is rolling out a technical update to some debits cards on mobile wallets to ensure consumers can continue to make payments via EFTPOS from January 1, 2025.
AP+ and the ABA informed customers of the update on December 18, 2024.
Of the total 19.1 million EFTPOS cards on mobile wallets, AP+ expects the majority of those to update automatically.
However, some may need updating manually — by the mobile phone user themselves.
Who does it apply to?
It is estimated about 60,000 cards are affected.
The update only applies specifically to consumers who:
- Added the debit card to their mobile wallet before July 2023, and
- Have turned on the option to send transactions via EFTPOS, or
- Use an EFTPOS-only debit card
What do I have to do?
If your card is affected, you will likely be (or have already been) contacted by your bank.
To avoid disruption, remove your affected debit card from your mobile wallet and re-add it.
You can do this by (for Apple users):
- Opening your wallet and tapping on the relevant card
- Tapping the three dots (...) in the upper right corner
- Selecting card details
- Selecting remove card
To add your debit card back into Apple Pay, simply:
- Open the wallet app
- Tap the + sign in the upper right corner and follow the prompts
For Android users, the instructions are almost identical. Here's how to remove a card and add it back in to your wallet.
Ms Bligh says it's a straightforward and quick fix.
"Whilst banks have been proactively reaching out to the small group of customers impacted, some are yet to take the required action.
"It will only take a matter of minutes and will ensure your debit card can continue to make payments into the new year."
Does this impact my physical card?
No.
Your physical card and credit cards in digital wallets are not impacted.
