Australia is the third country in the world to offer Apple’s Tap to Pay, which allows small businesses to accept payments through in-person contactless payments on iPhone.

Retailers, restaurants and other merchants can now use an iPhone to accept Apple Pay, contactless credit and debit cards and other digital wallets without the need for additional hardware or a payment terminal. Tap to Pay works on iPhone Xs or later devices with iOS 16.4 or later.

Westpac and Tyro Payments are the first payment platforms in Australia to offer Tap to Pay on iPhone to their business customers. Additional payment platforms and apps, including ANZ Worldline Payment Solutions, Stripe, Till Payments and Zeller, will make this secure and convenient option available in the coming months.

Ironically, you won’t be able to use it until later this year in Apple Stores in Australia.

Tap to Pay on iPhone is available to any payment platform or app developer that can meet the technical requirements to enable Tap to Pay on iPhone. While some have described it as a “square killer,” the payment fintech has been working with Apple on its rollout.

Last month, Square launched Tap to Pay on Android for merchants in Australia today with the same parameters: contactless payments on compatible Android devices at no extra cost.

Westpac’s chief executive of Consumer and Business Banking, Chris de Bruin, said Tap to Pay on iPhone was another flexible and fast payment option for the bank’s business customers.

“Our business customers can get on board in minutes and accept fast and secure payments on the go, using only an iPhone and the Westpac EFTPOS Air iOS app – no additional hardware required,” he said.

“This new capability is particularly beneficial for any business that takes payments on the go or needs their workforce to be more mobile in the workplace. It is a game changer for craftsmen, delivery drivers, companies such as hairdressers, mechanics or florists, and many more.”

Jon Davey, CEO of fintech Tyro, said it was “a fantastic, simple and secure way” to accept payments. It also works with American Express merchants using Tyro.

“We are delighted to introduce this new offering to our customers and provide greater flexibility when staff are working on site or on the road. It couldn’t be simpler. Just download the Tyro BYO app to start accepting customer payments on your iPhone in minutes.”

Businesses can also sign up for Tap to Pay on iPhone through distribution partnerships, including through Telstra.