AMP Bank has become one of the first banks in the Asia Pacific to launch host card emulation (HCE) technology for mobile payments, marking a significant leap forward in tap and pay payments.

The technology, available for all Android users with a KitKat 4.4 or later operating system, means customers can make contactless payments up to $100 without a PIN by simply tapping their mobile phone.

Integrated into the AMP banking and wealth management app the function, to be known as AMPwave, means customers can make contactless payments while enabling near field communication (NFC).

AMP Director Digital Michael Weeding said the technology was a step forward in the way people undertake their everyday transactions.

"The need for simple and secure payment methods on the go is increasing. The HCE technology means people can turn their phone into a mobile wallet, without the need to carry cash or cards.

"This technology takes cardless payments a step further and ultimately makes banking simpler for customers, underpinning AMP's strategy to become a more customer driven organisation.

"It's important for us to be able to use technology to create a better way of banking for our customers,"Mr Weeding said.

The HCE technology will be available to AMP Bank customers with an AMP Visa Debit Card.

This development follows on from the launch of AMP Bank's PayTag released late last year, which allows customers to make payments up to $100 via a sticker on the back of their mobile phone
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