Google has launched its contactless smartphone payment system Android Pay in Australia, allowing customers to pay for purchases with their Android phone or tablet at any contactless terminal.

Teaming up with Beyond Bank Australia, the new facility will allow Android device users to pay by tapping their phone at the point of purchase.

The system is free to install and also allows users to transact without having to open a bank app on their phone screen. The phone needs to be unlocked or “woken up” prior to payment.

“We’re excited to bring the simplicity and security of mobile payments to Android users in Australia,” said Pail Bhat, senior director, product management, Google.

“Using Android Pay is more secure — and much faster — than rummaging through your wallet for a plastic card,” Bhat said.

Bhat said security is also a key feature with the system, with every transaction funded by cards using Android Pay tokenized and customer’s payment information transferred securely.

Launched yesterday, Aussie shoppers will be able to use Android Pay at almost approximately 800,000 contactless payment terminals across Australia.

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