This new feature allows cardholders with Android phones or smartwatches to add their Mastercard to Google Pay and pay with their device at more than nine million contactless Mastercard acceptance points worldwide. Alongside Google’s own handsets, this encompasses devices from Samsung, Huawei, HTC, LG and many others.

Google Pay’s security features allow cardholders to make safe contactless transactions in stores, and will facilitate online and in-app payments by requiring a single sign-in to make quick and secure payments.

“We are delighted to launch mobile payments for our cardholders in Germany, and in Europe going forward,” comments Johannes Neander, Chief Commercial Officer of Advanzia Bank. “Google Pay allows our customers complete flexibility, security and convenience for their online and in-store payments even when they don’t have their physical card to hand.”

Will Snell, Head of Google Payments and Commerce Partnerships DACH, stated: “We are very excited to welcome Advanzia and their Mastercard Gold portfolio to Google Pay. This will enable their German users to pay online or in-store, anywhere where Mastercard is accepted.”

“Contactless payment using Mastercard and a smartphone or a smartwatch is not only highly convenient but it’s secure too, as personal account and card details don’t have to be stored or transmitted. With mobile payment you don’t even have to enter a PIN at the terminal,” says Andreas Spengel, Senior Vice President Market Development at Mastercard.