Westpac, St.George apps come to Apple Watch

Westpac's Apple Watch app with ATM locator and Get Cash.

Westpac and its subsidiary St.George have apps ready for the Apple Watch when the device launches today.

To do banking on the Apple Watch, customers will need an iPhone 5 or later model with iOS version 8.2 that is paired with their watch and the latest version of the Westpac or St.George mobile banking app on their iPhone.

Westpac’s app will provide customers with information about where to find their nearest ATM or branch and a Get Cash code. Get Cash allows customers to withdraw cash from a Westpac ATM without a card.

In addition, customers can use the app to receive travel notifications at the airport and to advise Westpac of their travel plans prior to heading overseas.

Meanwhile, St.George’s app will include Quick Balance- which allows customers to view up to two account balances- and an ATM/branch locator.

In March, St.George’s CIO, Dhiren Kulkarni confirmed the bank was working on an app for the Apple Watch.

"It’s worked well for us in the past with the Samsung Gear 2 and Sony Smartwatch 2, and we’re confident we’ll be the first to roll out a mobile banking app for the Apple Watch," he said at the time.

“We will be enhancing the app on an ongoing basis, and following the success of our Android smartwatch app, we’re confident the Apple Watch app will be a big hit for our growing number of customers banking on the go,” said Kulkarni.

The Commonwealth Bank also has an Apple Watch app under development.

“Once the Apple hardware arrives in Australia and we have fully tested the app we will announce a launch date,” said a CBA spokesperson on April 9.

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