Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) has  unveiled Apple Pay that will enable MasterCard cardholders to use their iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch for everyday purchases. MasterCard built the foundation for secure mobile transactions, so consumers can use their cards when, where and how they want.

MasterCard worked with Apple to deliver a seamless and secure payment experience. For consumers and merchants alike, that means that every purchase made with a MasterCard using iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch will offer the security, benefits and guarantees of any MasterCard transaction.

Apple Pay transforms mobile payments with an easy, secure, and private way to make purchases. By integrating Apple hardware, software and services, Apple Pay creates a unique and incredibly intuitive experience for iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch users.

Owners of the new iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch will be able to use their MasterCard credit or debit cards from participating banks directly through Apple Pay. At a store, consumers can simply pay by just holding their iPhone near a contactless reader with their finger on Touch ID and their transaction will be authenticated. For purchases within an app, consumers will simply touch to pay and authenticate with their fingerprint or passcode for a seamless experience without having to enter their card number or leave the app.

“Apple has a long tradition of introducing breakthrough products with features that really matter to people. Apple Pay, combined with MasterCard’s payments technology, gives consumers an easy, secure and private way to shop,” said Ed McLaughlin, chief emerging payments officer, MasterCard.  “We have been a pioneer of mobile commerce innovation for years – including the world’s first contactless and mobile payment solutions. We’re thrilled that MasterCard cardholders will soon be able to make payments from their iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch, knowing that every purchase is secure and offers all the same guarantees and benefits they’ve come to expect from using their MasterCard.”

Apple Pay will be made available for U.S. consumers via a free update to iOS 8 this October. MasterCard cardholders will be able to make simple and secure payments in the apps of top merchants, as well as contactless payments at some of the most frequented U.S. locations including major stores, restaurants, transit providers, fuel and convenience stores, and all Apple Store locations. One of the first to accept Apple Pay via iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch will be MasterCard’s long-time partner Major League Baseball.
To find a listing of contactless-enabled merchant locations, download the MasterCard Nearby app or go to www.mastercard.com/contactless.

Helping Consumers to Use Their Cards When, How and Where They Want

Payments via Apple Pay integrate with the MasterCard Digital Enablement Service (MDES). Announced last year, this service, provided by MasterCard to banks, allows a connected device to be used for everyday shopping and payments. In addition to the banks announced today by Apple, MasterCard is working with its partners to bring additional banks on board quickly through the MasterCard Digital Enablement Service.