Fijians will now be able to make seamless, contactless payments using their smartphones following the launch of M-PAISA’s new “Tap Phone to Pay” feature.
This service allows people to pay by simply tapping their phone on a Point of Sale terminal (EFTPOS).
The feature is available immediately to all M-PAISA Mastercard holders using NFC-enabled Android devices at no additional cost, with users able to activate their digital card through the M-PAISA app.
Speaking during the MPAISA New Services launch in Tamavua, Vodafone's Digital Financial Services General Manager Shailendra Prasad says the innovation is part of M-PAISA’s “Digital First” strategy aimed at modernising financial transactions in Fiji and aligning with global payment trends where contactless “tap and go” has become the standard.
Prasad says the service is currently limited to Android users, as Apple’s payment system restricts integration with third-party platforms.
He adds that 87 percent of MPAISA users are Android phone users.
Prasad also revealed to fijivillage News that future plans under Phase 3 of the e-Ticketing Project could see the technology extended to public transport, allowing commuters to use the same tap feature on buses.
He explains that this would require buses to be equipped with EFTPOS machines linked to international payment gateways such as Mastercard, enabling transactions to be processed through global payment networks.
Prasad says the move would be particularly beneficial for tourists, who often rely on contactless payments and may not carry cash.
He adds that work has already begun on enabling this capability, with the aim of making Fiji’s transport system more accessible and in line with international standards.
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