ASB launches mobile Facebook payments

From today, ASB customers can make payments directly to their Facebook ‘friends’, in the latest enhancement to the popular ASB Mobile app.

“More than two million New Zealanders are on Facebook, and many of them are managing their lives through social media channels,” says General Manager Brand Experience and Digital Channels, Anna Curzon.

“Payments through Facebook are the next logical step in our banking services, allowing our customers to make quick and easy payments to Facebook ‘friends’, without the hassle of asking for bank account numbers,” she says.

The App allows ASB customers to pay Facebook ‘friends’ in seconds, regardless of whether their ‘friend’ is an ASB customer or not.  Facebook payments are an addition to the range of payment options already available on ASB Mobile, including payments by mobile numbers and email addresses.

“Facebook initiated payments are another step towards a cashless society in New Zealand. Mobile and online banking innovations mean customers no longer need to rely on the traditional wallet – they can instead use ‘the bank in their hand,’ giving them greater control over how they mange their money.”

Security is always a top priority for ASB and ASB Mobile uses the latest in encryption technology to minimise security threats such as malware, phishing and hacking. Receivers of payments are also protected with all un-retrieved funds being credited to the payer after 14 days.

The upgraded ASB Mobile App is available on Apple and Android smartphones with a dedicated iPad version scheduled for launch later this year.

More information about ASB Mobile Facebook Payments is available online.