Permanent TSB has added Google Pay for its current account and credit card customers, completing the bank's rollout of the most popular mobile payment methods after it launched Apple Pay around this time last year.
It was promised for the first half of the year, but after a long, long wait it’s here...
Permanent TSB has finally added Google Pay for its banking customers, having launched its first mobile payment option in November of last year; Apple Pay.
Google Pay is now available to all the bank's personal current account and credit card customers. It will also be available to SME current account customers with business debit cards.
The Credit Union was the last major financial institution in Ireland to introduce a new mobile payment method, having welcomed Apple Pay in June.
Fee-free banking
As with tapping your debit or credit card, using Google Pay for PTSB customers will be absolutely free of charge.
What’s more, if you’re a customer of PTSB’s Explore Current Account you can get 10c cashback every time you use your card to pay for something, be it online or in a shop, up to a maximum of €5 a month. This also applies to mobile transactions, so both Apple and Google Pay - happy days!
Google Pay and Apple Pay are now the most popular mobile payments in Ireland, with EBS the only bank in Ireland not offering either payment method for now.
Jeff Harbourne, Head of Personal Banking at Permanent TSB, said:
Google Pay is an excellent addition to the payment options we offer our Personal and SME customers. It is a further demonstration of our commitment to meeting our customers’ needs. We estimate that approximately 60% of our current account customers use Android phones and we expect a very positive reaction to Google Pay from them.
How does Google Pay work?
Google Pay is a mobile payment and digital wallet service which allows banking customers to use their mobile device to make payments in-store, in-app, or online.
Digital wallets allow customers to pay for goods and services without having to touch a card machine or use physical cash. They also aren't subject to the usual €50 contactless payment limit which can be so frustrating at times.
If you’d like to add your PTSB card to Google Pay you’ll be glad to know it’s very straightforward.
To add your PTSB card to Google Pay simply do the following:
- Open Google Pay on your mobile.
- Tap on your Profile Picture, select Bank Accounts and Cards.
- Enter the card number, expiry date, CVV, your name and billing address.
- Hit Save.
- Activate your new card's payment method listing.
- Enter your one-time password.
That’s it, you’re ready to start spending!
Take a look at our infographic below for which financial institutions offer digital wallets and which ones.
Good news for current account switchers
With the departure of both Ulster Bank and KBC not far off, today’s news could very well play into the hands of Permanent TSB.
Before this time last year, Permanent TSB had neither Apple Pay nor Google Pay - not great for attracting new customers. But now it finally has both. And with its improved current account offering, it could very well be a viable option for those looking for a new home for their current account.
As mentioned already, PTSB’s Explore Current Account offers customers cashback up to a maximum of €5 each month, which could potentially offset most of the monthly maintenance fee of €6.
Additionally, the Explore account offers up to 5% cashback on select bills as well as 2% cashback on PTSB mortgage repayments should you have a loan with the bank.
Compare current accounts on bonkers.ie
Whether you’re an Ulster Bank or KBC customer looking for a new home for your money, or if you’re fed up overpaying on your everyday banking costs, consider switching current account!
Our current account comparison service easily compares different current account features and charges from all of Ireland’s main banks.
Before deciding on a new provider, make sure you check out our blog on which bank has the best value current account. Alternatively, you can listen to our podcast where we take a deep dive into current accounts.
Switching your current account is easier than you may think. Take a look at our guide on how to switch your current account for a full outline of the steps involved.
Make sure you check out our banking and personal finance comparison page to discover other ways you can lower your everyday banking costs.
Get in touch
Are you a PTSB customer? Are you happy to hear of this announcement? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
If you have any questions about Google Pay, get in touch with us. We’re on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
