Westpac Banking : 01/06/2018 Hey Google, ask Westpac for my account balance

01 June, 2018

Westpac has today extended its voice technology offering with the launch of the Westpac Action for the Google Assistant, providing customers with hands-free access to their account balances, recent transactions, and reward points on everyday banking and savings accounts.

The service is available to Westpac customers who have a Google Assistant-enabled device, including Google Home¹ devices and any smartphone² installed with the Google Assistant.

Building on a rich history of banking innovations, Westpac is the first Australian bank to provide customers with access to their everyday banking information through the Google Assistant voice technology.

The Westpac Action allows Westpac customers to ask a range of questions relating to their account balance and recent transactions, for example:

• Customer question: 'Hey Google, ask Westpac for my account balance'
• The Google Assistant's response: 'For your Westpac Choice account, you have $106.35'
  

Martine Jager, Chief Digital and Marketing Officer at Westpac Group said: 'We're always looking for new ways to help make our customers' lives easier, and are committed to giving our customers even more choice and flexibility when it comes to their banking.'

The Westpac Action for the Google Assistant adds to Westpac's suite of voice-based banking technology, following the launch of the Westpac Skill this year across Amazon's Alexa and Echo Spot products.

'As new technologies continue to emerge, it's important for us to innovate and respond to our customers' changing needs. Partnering with leaders in voice technology enables us to remain competitive while providing a seamless and personalised banking experience for our customers,' said Ms Jager.

Customers will be able to link up to three eligible Westpac accounts³ to their compatible device powered by the Google Assistant, which can be downloaded from today via the Google Play store for Android devices, and Apple App store for iOS devices.

When customers set up the Westpac Action, they will be prompted to set up a 4 digit passcode which will need to be provided before the Google Assistant responds to questions about any Westpac account.

Currently, customers cannot transfer funds or make a payment via the Westpac Action for the Google Assistant.

The Westpac Action for the Google Assistant is supported by the Westpac Live secure online banking platform. Westpac does not share customer IDs and passwords with Google.

To find out more, visit westpac.com.au/google-assistant.

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About Google Home & Google Assistant

Google Home is powered by the Google Assistant. Ask it questions. Tell it to do things. It's your own Google, always ready to help. Just start by saying, 'Ok Google' to get answers from Google, enjoy music, manage your everyday tasks, and easily control your smart home. Google Home requires wi-fi and a compatible device.

¹ Compatible with Google Home devices purchased in Australia

² Available on any Android smartphone with Android 5.0 or higher and Google app 6.1 or higher installed, or on any Apple iPhone with iOS version 10 or higher and the Google Assistant app installed.

³ Eligible accounts include the Westpac Choice, eSaver and Altitude Black or Platinum credit cards.