Samsung Pay to launch in Netherlands with MasterCard

Mobile payment service Samsung Pay will be launching in the Netherlands, and other European countries, later this year. This will be done in cooperation with MasterCard, using its MasterCard Digital Enablement Service, or MDES, both Samsung and MasterCard announced on Thursday. Exactly when this will happen is not clear yet. Samsung and MasterCard are currently discussing the launch with Dutch banks. Samsung Pay enables users to make contactless payments for everyday purchases by holding their smartphone against a payment terminal. This function is currently only available on the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. You will need to have a Maestro debit card or MasterCard credit card to use this service. Card holders can activate the service through Samsung once it is available. Like other mobile payment services from Apple and Google, Samsung Pay also makes use of NFC and MST technologies for this service. "With the continued global growth and reliance on connected mobile devices, we are delighted to expand our relationship with Samsung by extending the reach of Samsung Pay and MDES to cardholders in Europe", said Javier Perez, President of Mastercard Europe. “Samsung Pay is pleased to join forces with MasterCard to offer a simple and safe mobile payment experience enabled for wider merchant acceptance to MasterCard cardholders and issuers in Europe,” said Injong Rhee, Global Head of Samsung Pay