Barclays is making it even easier for its customers to spend their hard-earned cash.
The latest update to its Mobile Banking app on iOS lets you use Siri to send money to any existing payee, but there is a limit to how much you can send with your voice.
Barclays long resisted Apple Pay after the service made its debut in the United Kingdom in July 2015. The company was hoping to push customers towards its own contactless payment services instead. However, backlash from its users persuaded the bank to change its mind.
Nine months later, Barclays cards were finally supported by Apple Pay. Now it is the first bank in the U.K. to offer payments via Siri, which means you don’t have to open its Mobile Banking app to send cash to friends and family.
Simply use commands like, “Hey Siri, pay John £15 with Barclays” and the virtual assistant will take care of it. You’ll have to scan your fingerprint to authorize the transaction, but for the most part, it’s hands-free.
“This technology will enable customers to send money virtually hands free, and will make secure banking easier, faster and simpler for all customers, including those with additional needs,” says Barclays.
You’ll need a device with Touch ID running iOS 10 or later to take advantage of the feature. You’ll also need to ensure you have the latest version of the Barclays Mobile Banking app installed, before opting in to Siri payments in the “Manage payments” section.
Payment can only be made in pounds, only payees you have already setup will be supported by Siri, and limits apply, Barclays says. However, it’s not totally clear what the limits are.
