ASB first bank in New Zealand to step out with Garmin Pay

ASB has teamed up with global wearable device company Garmin to give ASB customers on-the-go the ability to make contactless purchases right from their wrist with a compatible Garmin smartwatch.

ASB general manager payments Matt Bartlett says Garmin Pay is specifically designed for people who're out pounding the pavement, at the gym, enjoying a game or taking part in sport.

Bartlett says, "When you're on-the-go the last thing you want to do is fumble with your phone, cards or cash. Garmin Pay removes that hassle, giving our ASB Visa customers another convenient and secure way to pay.

"At ASB we're committed to helping Kiwis progress by solving problems and creating outcomes based on their needs. Smarter use of technology is part of that, and that's why we're really pleased by today's development because being able to offer Garmin Pay is more evidence of our commitment to helping Kiwis stay one step ahead.

Garmin Pay is available from today on the latest Garmin vivoactive 3 smartwatches and Garmin Forerunner 645M and 645 for ASB customers with either, an ASB Visa Debit or credit card, and can be downloaded through the Garmin Connect Mobile app which works across both Apple and Android platforms.

Visa APAC country manager Marty Kerr says, "It's exciting that Kiwis can now make payments with their Garmin device, and we congratulate ASB for enabling another iconic wearable brand for Visa payments.

"The flexibility and convenience provided by wearable devices, that are enabled by contactless technology, shows how connected devices are fundamentally changing the way New Zealanders shop and pay.

"Together with innovative partners such as ASB, we're working to challenge today's understanding of convenience, with the aim of creating totally seamless secure commerce experiences,".

"It's so simple to use, customers upload their cards onto their Garmin smartwatch, create a four-digit pin to make sure it's secure, and then they're away, able to make a purchase while on the run with a tap of their Garmin smartwatch.

But the benefits don't end at being able to make a purchase without your wallet or smartphone. Customers will also be able to temporarily block a card if they've lost or misplaced it.