Hong Leong Bank cards can now be added to Google Wallet

KUCHING: Hong Leong Bank and Hong Leong Islamic Bank (HLB and HLISB) cardholders can enjoy a simple, secure and seamless contactless payment experience with Google Wallet starting today.

Google Wallet is a mobile app that offers a simple way to make contactless payments with Android phones or Wear OS devices.

The move to enable HLB credit and debit cards and HLISB debit cards (collectively known as HLB Cards) customers to add their payment cards to the Android platform is part of the Bank’s efforts to implement another convenient way to enable mobile payments.

“Aligning with our bank’s ‘Digital at the Core’ ethos, we are very excited to be one of the first banks in the market to support Google Wallet for our cards,” HLB group managing director and chief executive officer Domenic Fuda said.

“With the rapid adoption of DuitNow QR codes, mobile banking apps and mobile wallets, mobile payments have seamlessly integrated into the digital lifestyles of Malaysians and are one of the preferred transaction methods today.

“Working together with Google is part of our continuous efforts to offer simple and frictionless payment services to our customers.”

With Google Wallet, HLB cardholders are able to make contactless payments leveraging on near-field-communication (NFC) via supported Android devices by adding their HLB Cards to the Google Wallet app. Cardholders can then tap to pay wherever contactless payments are accepted.

“As Malaysians increasingly embrace a digital, mobile-led lifestyle, we remain agile in meeting the ever-changing customer needs,” HLB Personal Financial Services managing director Andrew Jong said.

“Smartphone penetration in Malaysia is close to 95 per cent and many daily activities are already facilitated digitally.

“With Google Wallet as a new feature, close to 65 per cent of our customers who are on the Android platform will enjoy an easy, safe and secure usage and payment experience.”

Similar to contactless transactions performed using the physical card, payments through Google Wallet also share the same daily maximum amount for contactless transactions.

Transactions amounting up to RM250 do not require PIN verification.

(From left) HLB’s head of payment products and acquisition Alex Tung with Google head of finance and travel Nick Drew and HLB head of payments Ong Shi Jie.