SBM Tower, Port Louis, Thursday, November 27: The SBM Bank (Mauritius) Ltd has innovated bi,g where already it is considered a pioneer in digital banking, is launching the digitisation of SBM Visa cards on its SBM Tag app and exclusively on Garmin Connect, offering Android and iOS smartphone users the ability to pay directly from their mobile phone or smartwatch.
This new feature allows customers to register their physical SBM Visa cards on one of these apps and make contactless payments. This technology ensures safer, faster, and more convenient transactions, in meeting the needs of an increasingly connected customer base.
“This innovation reflects our commitment to offering modern and secure payment solutions tailored to our customers’ everyday lives,” says Head of Payments Solutions/Cards at SBM Bank (Mauritius) Ltd, Anil Gujjalu. “Since the launch of SBM Tag in December 2024, we have been constantly improving the user experience with new features, and we are proud to unveil this new development. With Visa’s support, we are now able to combine convenience, speed, and security to simplify mobile payments, not only on SBM Tag, but also on Garmin smartwatches,” he added.
Visa, a global player in digital payments, welcomes this partnership, which enhances the security and convenience of transactions. “We are delighted to be working with the SBM Bank (Mauritius) Ltd on this project,” commented Cluster Head, Visa Eastern Africa, Yared Endale. “Payments via connected devices represent the future of transactions for several reasons; they are fast, secure, and simple for the consumer,” he emphasises.
There is good news for iPhone users on the island who were unable to access this feature till now: provided they have a Garmin smartwatch equipped with an NFC chip, they can now digitise their SBM Visa cards on the Garmin Connect multi-platform application. “Being able to pay for purchases directly from your smartwatch is a real step forward for our customers. This initiative shows how wearable technology can transform everyday life by combining convenience and security,” says, Managing Director of West Coast Wake Ltd and Official Distributor of Garmin, Mr Max Daruty in Mauritius.
The digital cards feature is already available to SBM Visa cardholders via the SBM Tag and Garmin Connect apps on all devices equipped with an NFC chip, including Android smartphones and Garmin smartwatches.
This initiative confirms SBM Bank (Mauritius) Ltd’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of digital innovation by offering its customers fast, secure payment solutions tailored to their connected lifestyles, combining technology, security, and simplicity, while pursuing its ambition to make mobile payments an intuitive and accessible experience for all. The bank tells that it is working in parallel with other partners to extend this innovation to other types of connected devices, with equally remarkable projects that will be announced shortly.
