Discover has announced an agreement with Apple that will allow Discover cardmembers in the U.S. to make contactless payments in participating stores through Apple Pay, the way to pay, using iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch.
“As the mobile payments landscape matures, Discover remains committed to giving cardmembers secure options for using their cards and mobile devices,” says Diane Offereins, Discover’s president of payment services. “Discover’s focus on simplicity and value for our cardmembers aligns well with the way Apple Pay makes purchases easy and convenient.”
When cardmembers add their credit or debit card to Apple Pay, the actual card numbers aren’t stored on the device or on Apple servers. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted and securely stored in the Secure Element on a device. Each card transaction is authorized with a one-time unique dynamic security code, instead of using the security code from the back of the credit or debit card.
Discover credit cardmembers will still receive all of their current benefits, including Cashback Bonus and the new Freeze It security tool that allows them to stop any new purchases, cash advances and balance transfers when they temporarily misplace their cards, says Offereins. As part of the agreement, Discover Network will enable eligible financial institutions, including Discover Debit issuers, to let their card holders use Apple Pay.