BUFFALO, N.Y., Feb. 5, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Niagara Financial Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:FNFG) now offers its MasterCard consumer credit and consumer debit cardholders access to Apple Pay, a new category of service that will transform mobile payments with an easy, secure and private way to pay. Apple Pay is easy to set up and users will continue to receive all the rewards and benefits offered by their First Niagara credit and debit cards.

Security and privacy is at the core of Apple Pay. When you add a credit or debit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are neither stored on the device, nor on Apple servers. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted and securely stored in the Secure Element on your device. Each transaction is authorized with a one-time unique dynamic security code, instead of using the security code from the back of your card.

"Technology is changing the way consumers pay for products and Apple Pay provides a more convenient, secure and private way to make purchases," said Justin Bigham, First Niagara Head of Consumer Product Management. "Integrating with Apple Pay through MasterCard is yet another example of how First Niagara is committed to enabling our customers to bank when, where and how they prefer."

"The innovation behind Apple Pay will enable our customers to make easy purchases with the security, privacy and convenience that will simplify their financial lives," said Inder Koul, First Niagara Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer. "As part of our journey to be a digitally progressive bank, last year we launched several new services for our customers, such as remote deposit capture, One-SwipeTM balance and Popmoney®.  With Apple Pay, we are continuing to offer the products and services our customers want and use."

In participating stores, Apple Pay will work with iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch, upon availability. Within apps, Apple Pay is compatible with iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3.

For more information on Apple Pay, visit: http://www.apple.com/apple-pay/

For more information on First Niagara and Apple Pay, visit: www.firstniagara.com/applepay

About First Niagara

First Niagara, through its wholly owned subsidiary, First Niagara Bank, N.A., is a multi-state community-oriented bank with approximately 410 branches, $39 billion in assets, $28 billion in deposits, and approximately 5,600 employees providing financial services to individuals, families and businesses across New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts.  For additional information on First Niagara, visit us at www.firstniagara.com, follow us on Twitter @FirstNiagara, or like us on Facebook at FirstNiagaraBank.

CONTACT: News Media:
         Jodi Johnston
         Director, Corporate Media Relations
         (716) 270-8612
         jodi.johnston@fnfg.com

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