Operative Bank : 04/10/2016 Apple Pay now available to Co-op Bank customers

APPLE PAY NOW AVAILABLE TO CO-OP BANK CUSTOMERS

• Latest stage in Co-op Bank's ongoing digital improvement plan

The Co-op Bank is making Apple Pay available to current account and credit card customers from today.

Since its launch in mid-2015, Apple Pay has transformed the way consumers pay for goods and services in the UK and Co-op Bank customers will now be able to use this easy, secure and private way to pay that's fast and convenient.

Security and privacy is at the core of Apple Pay. When you use a credit or debit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not 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 authorised with a one-time unique dynamic security code.

As part of its digital transformation, the Co-op Bank has already launched a new website and improved online banking customer experience, as well as key upgrades to its mobile banking app during 2016. More digital improvements are in the pipeline before the end of the year; including: further updates and improvements to the bank's website and online banking, and with more products and services being made available online for customers.

Heather Lauder, Distribution Director at The Co-operative Bank said: 'Apple Pay has been something our customers have asked us to deliver and we're pleased we can say that it's now available for over two million customers.

'Throughout 2016 we've made significant investment in our digital services to improve customer experience that will make online banking with The Co-op Bank more efficient and convenient. Security is a vital consideration and we want our customers to feel secure when banking on the go.'

When a customer uses Apple Pay on a compatible device none of the card details are stored on the phone or hosted on Apple servers.

Apple Pay is easy to set up and users will continue to receive all of the rewards and benefits offered by credit and debit cards. In stores, Apple Pay works with iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and later, iPhone SE and Apple Watch.

Online shopping in apps accepting Apple Pay is as simple as the touch of a finger with Touch ID, so there's no need to manually fill out lengthy account forms or repeatedly type in shipping and billing information. When paying for goods and services within apps, Apple Pay is compatible with iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 4 and iPad Pro.

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

-Ends-

Notes to editors:

Apple Pay will be available to eligible Co-op Bank and smile customers.

For further information please contact:

Nicki Parry

The Co-operative Bank

Tel: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

About The Co-operative Bank

The Co-operative Bank plc provides a full range of banking products and services to around 4.4 million retail and SME (Small and Medium Sized Enterprises) customers. The Bank is committed to values and ethics in line with the principles of the co-operative movement.

The Co-operative Bank is the only high street bank with a customer-led ethical policy which gives customers a say in how their money is used. Launched in 1992, the Policy has been updated on five occasions, with new commitments added in January 2015 to cover how the Bank operates its business, products and services, workplace and culture, relationships with suppliers and other stakeholders and campaigning.