Maitland's Mutual Bank is the only locally based bank to offer Apple Pay

CEO, Geoff Seccombe, said Apple Pay gives members a safe, secure, and private way to pay with their iPhone or Apple Watch.

Mr Seccombe said introducing Apple Pay is part of The Mutual Bank's ongoing product development and innovation strategy, to give customers a range of convenient, secure banking products and services. On the digital front, that includes Internet Banking, its App, and now Apple Pay.

He said COVID-19 has made contactless payments even more important.

"Apple Pay helps members avoid handing their payment card to someone else, touching physical buttons or exchanging cash - and uses the power of iPhone to protect every transaction," Mr Seccombe said.

"With Apple Pay being widely accepted, members can use it in the supermarket, a taxi, restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, as well as paying for online shopping or parking," he said.

"Members simply hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a payment terminal to make a contactless payment. Every Apple Pay purchase is secure because it is authenticated with Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode, as well as a one-time unique dynamic security code.

"Members can also use Apple Pay on iPhone, iPad, and Mac to make faster and more convenient purchases in apps or on the web in Safari without having to create accounts or repeatedly type in shipping and billing information."

Mr Secombe said security and privacy are at the core of Apple Pay and it is easy to set up.

"When members use a credit or debit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device, nor on Apple servers."

"Our branch staff or call centre staff can easily help members set up Apple Pay."

The Mutual Bank is member-owned and has been serving Hunter people since 1888. It has branches in Dungog, East Maitland, Edgeworth, Maitland, Mayfield, Rutherford, and Raymond Terrace.