Utilising state-of-the-art Optical Character Recognition technology, Westpac customers can now switch on their new credit or debit card in a flash via the Westpac Mobile Banking app on their iPhone or Android smartphone. The innovative feature activates the card in three simple steps by prompting customers to scan their card, confirm the card details captured are correct, and tap to activate.

Mike Wood, Chief Information Officer, Westpac Group Consumer Bank says the card activation via mobile is part of Westpac's ongoing commitment to harness innovative new technology to make customers' lives easier.

"We want to make mobile banking as easy and convenient as possible for our customers and that's why we have launched card activation by smartphone camera. The new feature is a timesaver for our customers who can activate their card when and where it suits them without the need to call customer service, visit a local branch or manually type in card numbers.

"With over two million debit and credit cards activated by our customers in the past year alone, we are delighted to be the first financial institution to offer customers a simple solution that is safe and secure via the Westpac Mobile Banking app. Card activation via mobile is another demonstration of Westpac's commitment to providing new and improved solutions to service customers' everyday needs," Mr Wood added.

The launch of card activation by smartphone camera coincides with the availability of Quick Balance on the Apple Watch when paired with the Westpac Banking app for iPhone. The new Quick Balance feature allows customers to quickly swipe their Apple Watch screen to see their account balance without the need to log in to Westpac mobile banking.

Westpac card activation by smartphone camera will be available for Visa, MasterCard® and American Express™ credit cards and Debit MasterCard cards from November 2015, along with the Quick Balance feature on Apple Watch.