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Norwegian DNB's War on Apple Pay

1 points by osuairt ↗ HN
https://www-dnb-no.translate.goog/dnbnyheter/no/din-okonomi/dnb-apple-pay?_x_tr_sl=no&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp

https://www-digi-no.translate.goog/artikler/slutten-naermer-seg-for-apple-pay-hos-sbanken/531453

DNB has been playing a game with Apple Pay for some time. In Norway, DNB controls a cash transfer app, based on phone numbers called Vipps. Which is likely at the heart of this.

They have refused to accept that customers using Apple Pay or any other mobile payment solution besides their own.

They are delusional that Apple will somehow open up the NFC, or make a generic payment wallet solution for the Norwegian market.

5 comments

[ 2.6 ms ] story [ 28.3 ms ] thread
bombcar
Walmart's revenue is greater than Norway's GPD, and Walmart can't get Apple to budge.
osuairt
Yes.

Of late, I have unfortunately seen Norwegian politicians or institutions have an exaggerated sense of themselves, when it comes to their international influence, or the size of the market they represent.

smoldesu
> They are delusional that Apple will somehow open up the NFC

It's hard to tell who's expectations are more delusional here.

politelemon
The explanation seems pretty straightforward to me. This does not appear to be a 'war' so much as a 'compliance' issue, and a specific one that they hold. They have recognized a shortcoming in Apple Pay and are calling it out, and their long term view is kind of explained.

It would have been more convenient if they accepted all payments and also pursued the EU competition authorities (or perhaps they've considered it and assumed it's futile).

That said... I'm having a look at Vipps reviews and they appear to be somewhat questionable - are they really putting adverts in a banking app?

osuairt
So, many of the other banks in Norway, accept Apple Pay.

Sbanken was recently purchased by DNB. They originally offered Apple Pay, that service has been shutdown as of last month.

DNB is roundly considered a poor banking experience in Norway, they are the largest, but most people don't come away from their customer support feeling great.