Facebook 'friend' NZ bank app launched

A new mobile banking app will allow users to pay Facebook 'friends' via their smartphones. Photo / Thinkstock

New Zealanders will soon be able to make payments through Facebook using a new mobile banking app being launched by ASB Bank.

Available from mid-July, ASB Mobile will allow people to pay their Facebook 'friends' without using a bank account number, regardless of whether they are an ASB customer or not.

The ability to pay and receive money via Facebook is a breakthrough for the New Zealand market, said Anna Curzon, ASB general manager of brand experience and digital channels.

"Kiwis are increasingly engaging with friends, family and businesses through social media and on average they have more Facebook friends than the typical Facebook user globally," Curzon said.

"We know from talking to our customers that they are seeking out quicker, more convenient, and safer ways to make payments that reflect their lifestyle."

Only the party paying the money needs to have the app. The recipient of the payments gets a Facebook notification, then is taken to a secure page where the bank account number is put in. Payment is then made.

All un-retrieved funds being credited to the payer after 14 days.

Customers will be able to download and register the app on more than one Apple or Android mobile device.

ASB said no personal banking information would be stored on phones.

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