BMO, Scotiabank, and TD Canada Trust Launch Apple Pay in Canada

[mxmgodin]

I wonder how VISA Debit is going to work when/if implemented. I'm guessing they plan to add it.

I noticed that my TD card says TD Access Card - Interac Debit. Which leads me to believe that it may be a "separate card" to add it as VISA Debit, which would then show up as TD Access Card - VISA Debit. And you'd have to choose one?

Unless they figure out how to automate selection based on the terminal or something.

I tried adding my Scotiabank Visa Debit card to my iPad this morning, and got an error message saying that (more or less) only credit cards were supported for in-app purchases (which is the only type of purchase that can be made on iPads with Apple Pay).

My guess is that Apple Pay doesn't support dual networks for payment cards (e.g. Interac/Visa Debit, or Interac/MC Debit). This would require the bank to tie the card to a single network (and its tokenization system) when adding it to Apple Pay.

 

[RoboCop001]

I tried adding my Scotiabank Visa Debit card to my iPad this morning, and got an error message saying that (more or less) only credit cards were supported for in-app purchases (which is the only type of purchase that can be made on iPads with Apple Pay).

My guess is that Apple Pay doesn't support dual networks for payment cards (e.g. Interac/Visa Debit, or Interac/MC Debit). This would require the bank to tie the card to a single network (and its tokenization system) when adding it to Apple Pay.

Makes sense. I remember reading something about VISA Debit, but I can't remember what it said. Something about it not being ready for launch, not sure.

I've only ever used it for online shopping anyway.

 

[jicon]

Got my visa added easily enough (took it from my itunes account and was basically setup)... However, I'm having issues adding my TD Debit card. I click on the plus on the apple pay section, it does seem to read my card (its a bit worn), so I try to enter manually, but it looks like its setup for credit card length numbers rathern then debit... Seems like peopel have added the TD debit (or Access card i guess its called) Can anyone let me know how they did it? Thanks.

If you have the TD Debit Card with Visa, note that by default it won't work with Apple Pay. You need to have the Tap feature enabled at a branch first. Error saying the card is not supported is a bit misleading.

 

[GDF]

So, we travel to Canada often, will I be able to use Apple Pay in Canada with my US Bank based Visa card? Thanks!

 

[AsherN]

So, we travel to Canada often, will I be able to use Apple Pay in Canada with my US Bank based Visa card? Thanks!

You've been able to do that ever since your US card was supported. Ability to use has nothing to do with whether a country's bank are ready. Apple Pay uses the standard NFC protocol. Canada has been using NFC cards for years.

 

[rtms77]

I added my TD Access Interac Visa Debit card with no problem, but noticed that when the card comes up on the Wallet, it looks and says TD Access Debit Card, with no Visa logo or wording. Not sure if they just decided the two systems can't work together or we will be asked get a new card.

 

[bodonnell202]

Canadian here. Don't really care.

But still took the time to read and comment on the story. Maybe you need a hobby?

 

[American Hero]

What is disappointing about Canada is the fact that so few merchants accept Discover and American Express.

I don't understand why people defend Canadian Merchants when those two guys are much better for the consumer than Visa and MasterCard are. A network that handles the processing, network, and customer service is better than going with a brand that goes through a bank that's not owned by them. Just look at another example... How long has AMEX offered Apple Pay in Canada, and just NOW the Canadian banks beginning to offer this service?

I guess both the USA and Canada have their banking issues. Canadian banks and merchants with their greed and MasterCard/Visa obsession, and the U.S with their lack of NFC and chip adoption.

 

[HiVolt]

Finally! I added my TD Visa today, and tried it at McDonalds (Apple Watch) and KFC (iPhone 6). worked flawlessly. Got quite the shocked look from the McDonalds guy when i touched the watch to the terminal, lol.

 

[LoveToMacRumors]

Finally! I added my TD Visa today, and tried it at McDonalds (Apple Watch) and KFC (iPhone 6). worked flawlessly. Got quite the shocked look from the McDonalds guy when i touched the watch to the terminal, lol.

im so jealous, but i use mastercard

 

[American Hero]

Looking at that, I doubt the U.S. will ever get Chip & PIN as a mainstream requirement.

Chip an PIN is mandatory for debit cards (and pretty standard).

If you have an American Express or Discover Card, chances are they'll migrate to chip and pin eventually. Those guys control their own interchange fees. Discover's CEO has said he wants to migrate their cards to chip and pin soon.
[doublepost=1464820569][/doublepost]

I use my Rogers MC at Costco via contactless every week...no issues.

Tap = NFC incase your confused.

But correct they do not support Apple pay for their own brand MC.

The funny part is the new Citi Costco MasterCard (which is coming out by the end of the month) supports contactless in the U.S, but apparently not Canada.

 

[tmiw]

Chip an PIN is mandatory for debit cards (and pretty standard).

No it isn't. The PIN prompt is still "suggested" on behalf of the merchants that can run debit cards over something other than Visa/MC but can be skipped in nearly every case. And there are a lot of merchants that can't or won't run debit cards as anything other than Visa/MC.

What is disappointing about Canada is the fact that so few merchants accept Discover and American Express.

I don't understand why people defend Canadian Merchants when those two guys are much better for the consumer than Visa and MasterCard are.

AmEx isn't that good in my personal experience. Maybe it was better way back in the day (or maybe I need to have a card with an insane annual fee to get "good" service), but they have arguably better competition now from the likes of Citi and Chase.

I mean, it shouldn't have required multiple phone calls to them to get them to actually do something about fraudulent charges on my card. That's the one type of CS request that I have fairly high expectations for.

 

[American Hero]

AmEx isn't that good in my personal experience. Maybe it was better way back in the day (or maybe I need to have a card with an insane annual fee to get "good" service), but they have arguably better competition now from the likes of Citi and Chase.

They certainly have better competition now, but at the end of the day, AMEX is the network, processor, and they handle their own customer service. AMEX will always be better for someone than those who exclusively hold a Visa or MasterCard. Sure AMEX may have lost Costco and Jet Blue, but that's because the company gives the finger to the merchant in most cases while sticking up for the consumer, which merchants don't like.

Want a good example? If you have your card stolen or fraudulent activity on your account, a simple phone call to AMEX will get those charges reversed without question immediately, your account credited immediately, with a new card ordered to be on your door step the next day or anywhere in the world. AMEX also favors the cardholder in the case of a dispute, even if you legitimately bought the item---the funds are credited immediately, no waiting.

Now, with my Visa Card, I had to call Visa Card services, which they then instructed me to fill out a form at my credit union's website... Then the form had to be submitted, reviewed, and then a temporary credit was given to me like 7 days later. I was assured I would get a new card overnight-ed... Yeah, once again, 7 days later it was overnight-ed (why even bother overnight-ing the card at that point?). I then noticed the charges put back on to my NEW credit card after they had been taken off without an explanation, so I had a bouncing credit line all over the place. I closed that account and shredded the card.

Visa and MasterCard suck. I wish AMEX and Discover were accepted at 99.9% of merchants, but there's a reason they're not. Visa and MasterCard's customer service is horrible... Especially because they go through banks like Citi who can't even help you online, but instruct you to call a number, like they're only there to help you navigate the site instead of legitimate customer inquiries.

 

[tmiw]

They certainly have better competition now, but at the end of the day, AMEX is the network, processor, and they handle their own customer service. AMEX will always be better for someone than those who exclusively hold a Visa or MasterCard. Sure AMEX may have lost Costco and Jet Blue, but that's because the company gives the finger to the merchant in most cases while sticking up for the consumer, which merchants don't like.

They lost Costco and JetBlue because they wouldn't lower their fees enough.

Want a good example? If you have your card stolen or fraudulent activity on your account, a simple phone call to AMEX will get those charges reversed without question immediately, your account credited immediately, with a new card ordered to be on your door step the next day or anywhere in the world. AMEX also favors the cardholder in the case of a dispute, even if you legitimately bought the item---the funds are credited immediately, no waiting.

Now, with my Visa Card, I had to call Visa Card services, which they then instructed me to fill out a form at my credit union's website... Then the form had to be submitted, reviewed, and then a temporary credit was given to me like 7 days later. I was assured I would get a new card overnight-ed... Yeah, once again, 7 days later it was overnight-ed (why even bother overnight-ing the card at that point?). I then noticed the charges put back on to my NEW credit card after they had been taken off without an explanation, so I had a bouncing credit line all over the place. I closed that account and shredded the card.

Visa and MasterCard suck. I wish AMEX and Discover were accepted at 99.9% of merchants, but there's a reason they're not. Visa and MasterCard's customer service is horrible... Especially because they go through banks like Citi who can't even help you online, but instruct you to call a number, like they're only there to help you navigate the site instead of legitimate customer inquiries.

The problem is that you called a company that didn't issue your card. I have never had problems getting fraud resolved when I dealt directly with card issuers (AmEx not included). In fact, if you call the phone number on the back of your card you can generally get to a 24/7 support line for fraud-related issues. Which you're supposed to call anyway if it's something close to an emergency so that you can get help quickly/verify your identity.

In fact, I'm not even sure why I should pay any annual fees for AmEx when I basically get a human on the line for my Chase Sapphire Preferred card without ever having to wait on hold or deal with some convoluted IVR system. And it's likely to be accepted in way more places too simply because it's a Visa.

(Also, I fail to see how this is at all related to Canada and Apple Pay other than AmEx getting it first.)

 

[Easttime]

BMO: got my MasterCard installed easily, but can't get debit card to take. Anyone else?

 

[Caliao]

Yeeeehaaaa!!

 

[wozmatic]

But still took the time to read and comment on the story. Maybe you need a hobby?

....annnnnnnnnd you took the time to comment on my comment.

Maybe you need a hobby?

 

[American Hero]

They lost Costco and JetBlue because they wouldn't lower their fees enough.

Which summarizes my point of AMEX giving the merchant the finger.

In order to win over Costco, Visa had to over 4% back on gas, 3% back on restaurants and travel, 2% back at Costco, and 1% on all other purchases. Visa is the loser here and AMEX is smart for not matching that offer.

The problem is that you called a company that didn't issue your card. I have never had problems getting fraud resolved when I dealt directly with card issuers (AmEx not included).

You don't call the company that issued your card when you have Visa or MasterCard... You go through the bank they partnered with, who also issued you a card.

In fact, I'm not even sure why I should pay any annual fees for AmEx when I basically get a human on the line for my Chase Sapphire Preferred card without ever having to wait on hold or deal with some convoluted IVR system. And it's likely to be accepted in way more places too simply because it's a Visa.

Because an AMEX Blue Preferred offers 6% back at the grocery store on up to $6,000 purchases per year while offering 3% back on gas and at department stores for a $75 annual fee while your Chase Sapphire Preferred offers 2x points on travel, dining, and restaurants with a $95 annual fee.

Your Chase Sapphire preferred also has an overdraft advance APR of 25.24% without a grace period. What is the point of using the "soft limit" advantage a Visa Signature card offers with that type of fee?

Visa and MasterCard simply aren't up to the level of American Express, especially when it comes to customer service.

http://www.jdpower.com/press-releases/2015-us-credit-card-satisfaction-study

I swear you must be the same guy who told me AMEX wouldn't approve a charge and didn't have 24/7 customer service, so you had to wait until Monday to go buy whatever you needed to buy.
[doublepost=1464831192][/doublepost]

(Also, I fail to see how this is at all related to Canada and Apple Pay other than AmEx getting it first.)

That is my point.

 

[btkadams]

Great. But at least in NYC we still need many more places that accept wireless tap and pay. With the exception of cabs, I can easily go weeks without going to a place that accepts it. That is except my local bodega. They accept Apple Pay. But you have to tell them at check out and then they make you sign a receipt. This slows things down and basically defeats the purpose.

Weeks! That's crazy to me, as a Canadian. Hopefully things improve quickly in the US. There's tap-to-pay everywhere in Canada. I encountered tap terminals at every place I went to today, including a vending machine and my workplace cafeteria.

 

[merve04]

Added my Scotia Debit, Visa and Amex. I had to log in to the scotiabank app and verify the cards, although the CC worked but the debit didnt want to activate. I had to call and then I got the notification that the debit was now live and ready to use. So yes all 3 cards from Scotia work!

 

[AsherN]

What is disappointing about Canada is the fact that so few merchants accept Discover and American Express.

I don't understand why people defend Canadian Merchants when those two guys are much better for the consumer than Visa and MasterCard are. A network that handles the processing, network, and customer service is better than going with a brand that goes through a bank that's not owned by them. Just look at another example... How long has AMEX offered Apple Pay in Canada, and just NOW the Canadian banks beginning to offer this service?

I guess both the USA and Canada have their banking issues. Canadian banks and merchants with their greed and MasterCard/Visa obsession, and the U.S with their lack of NFC and chip adoption.

Discover has zero presence in Canada. Amex being their own network has always been an issue up here. You have to understand the Canadian banking system. The Big 5 own the Interac network and cooperate fully. When Chip-and-PIN came to Canada, Amex was always the problem child because of their particular software and network. They have decent penetration here, but are rejected mostly due to high costs.

 

[tmiw]

Which summarizes my point of AMEX giving the merchant the finger.

In order to win over Costco, Visa had to over 4% back on gas, 3% back on restaurants and travel, 2% back at Costco, and 1% on all other purchases. Visa is the loser here and AMEX is smart for not matching that offer.

You mean Citi. And they might actually come out the winner here despite the rewards structure if people carry balances on their new cards. AmEx ultimately screwed themselves just to try to get an additional few tenths of a percent.

You don't call the company that issued your card when you have Visa or MasterCard... You go through the bank they partnered with, who also issued you a card.

One and the same. It's not like Costco's issuing their own credit cards.

Because an AMEX Blue Preferred offers 6% back at the grocery store on up to $6,000 purchases per year while offering 3% back on gas and at department stores for a $75 annual fee while your Chase Sapphire Preferred offers 2x points on travel, dining, and restaurants with a $95 annual fee.

You can get far more than 2% back thanks to airline/hotel points transfer, something Blue doesn't do. It also has primary CDW insurance for car rentals, something that AmEx won't give you without paying extra.

Your Chase Sapphire preferred also has an overdraft advance APR of 25.24% without a grace period. What is the point of using the "soft limit" advantage a Visa Signature card offers with that type of fee?

My credit limit is more than enough without having to rely on overdrafts. Also, cash advances/overdrafts are never a good thing to use unless you have no other choice precisely because of the fees and interest.

Visa and MasterCard simply aren't up to the level of American Express, especially when it comes to customer service.

http://www.jdpower.com/press-releases/2015-us-credit-card-satisfaction-study

I swear you must be the same guy who told me AMEX wouldn't approve a charge and didn't have 24/7 customer service, so you had to wait until Monday to go buy whatever you needed to buy.

I'm the guy who had to call AmEx twice before they would cancel my card and send a new one. The first time around the CSR claimed he couldn't see the fraudulent pending charge that they sent me a text about, and then claimed that I was being phished by someone. This all despite the charge showing up when I logged into their website.

I also tried to get a contactless card from them last year. Dealing with outsourced improperly trained CSRs kinda got old after the third or fourth card arrived that didn't have the contactless feature. Oh, and also the time that I complained to them about the card not working at Walgreens when tapped--whose solution was to mail me another card that also didn't work there.

So no, I don't think of AmEx as having particularly good customer service. Fortunately the card in question has no annual fee or I'd probably have canceled it by now.

That is my point.

But this thread is about Canadian Visas and MasterCards from the rest of the Big 5 (?) banks that just signed on. Or well, is supposed to be anyway.

 

[ipedro]

That's it. I no longer carry a wallet.

I've been on AMEX ApplePay but there were still places where it wasn't accepted. Having my ScotiaBank INTERAC now on ApplePay, it's now accepted virtually everywhere. I put my credit and debit cards in the safety of a drawer at home and now only leave home with my Watch and iPhone.

I used to have to still carry my ZipCar card and drivers license but Uber solved that problem as well.

Fun fact: I also stopped carrying keys a year ago when I installed an August Smart lock.

 

[Easttime]

BMO: got my MasterCard installed easily, but can't get debit card to take. Anyone else?

Got it next morning. Must have been day 1 "server overload".

 

[AsherN]

That's it. I no longer carry a wallet.

I've been on AMEX ApplePay but there were still places where it wasn't accepted. Having my ScotiaBank INTERAC now on ApplePay, it's now accepted virtually everywhere. I put my credit and debit cards in the safety of a drawer at home and now only leave home with my Watch and iPhone.

I used to have to still carry my ZipCar card and drivers license but Uber solved that problem as well.

Fun fact: I also stopped carrying keys a year ago when I installed an August Smart lock.

While it may diminish the need for a wallet, it still does not eliminate it. What happens if the place does not take NFC, or your transaction is over the NFC limit? Health card?