First West Credit Union Becomes First in B.C. to Offer New Mobile Pay Technology for Android Smartphones

LANGLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 29, 2016) - First West Credit Union today announced the launch of Mobile Pay, a new technology that makes paying for purchases even simpler for people on the go.

Similar to using a contactless debit card, Mobile Pay gives users the ability to make purchases using their Android smartphone at any Canadian retailer with Interac Flash capability. Notably, First West is the first financial institution in B.C. and one of four in Canada to offer Mobile Pay.

"We're thrilled to be among the first financial institutions in Canada to offer Mobile Pay," says Launi Skinner, CEO of First West Credit Union. "Our commitment to innovation and investment in technology is one of the ways we're doing things differently to create value for our members. We're proud to have partnered with credit unions across Canada to deliver this new, creative and convenient solution that will make a difference in everyday banking. It's all about keeping it simple."

Launching initially at Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union, Mobile Pay is available via the credit union's mobile banking app and supported on Android devices enabled with V4.4 OS or later. Roll-out will begin at the credit union's other regional brands, Valley First, Enderby & District Financial and Island Savings later this year.

Using Interac Flash, a contactless payment technology, Mobile Pay eliminates the need for debit cards or personal identification numbers for purchases. Users simply needs to place their Android device near-or "tapped" on-a contactless payment terminal to pay for their purchases. Moreover, Mobile Pay is linked directly to the users' chequing or savings account and works just like a debit transaction, whereby funds are taken out immediately from their account.

Skinner believes that contactless payment technology will soon become an expectation of savvy consumers. "People's lives are getting busier and busier and if we're able to provide a straightforward solution to create more convenience and ease for our members when it comes to payments then it's a win win for everybody."

Visit Envision Financial to learn more about Mobile Pay, or check out the Mobile Pay website.

About First West Credit Union
First West Credit Union offers members the financial strength, comprehensive product selection and extended branch network of a large financial institution while maintaining local brand identities and a unique grassroots approach to service. Led by Launi Skinner, First West is British Columbia's third-largest credit union with nearly $11 billion in assets under administration, close to 250,000 members and more than 1,700 employees. It operates 54 branches throughout the province under the Envision Financial, Valley First, Enderby & District Financial and Island Savings divisions. Visit firstwestcu.ca for more information.

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