Malaysian fintech company Merchantrade Money now supports Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet for its Visa Prepaid Card. The launch makes Merchantrade the first homegrown Malaysian e-wallet to offer native NFC tap-to-pay functionality through both digital wallets.
You can now add your Merchantrade Money Visa Prepaid Card directly to Google Wallet or Samsung Wallet. Once added, you can tap your phone to pay anywhere Visa contactless payments are accepted. The new feature reduces your reliance on QR codes while delivering a payment experience similar to a contactless bank card.
The launch reflects growing demand for faster mobile payments in Malaysia. QR codes remain popular, but they still require you to open an app, scan a code, and depend on a stable internet connection.
Merchantrade Moves Beyond QR Payments
QR payments have dominated Malaysia’s digital payment landscape for years. They remain widely accepted but can slow you down during busy checkout periods. They also become less convenient when mobile connectivity is poor.
Merchantrade’s latest update introduces NFC contactless payments. You simply unlock your smartphone and tap it against a compatible payment terminal. Most transactions finish in less than a second, giving you a fast and familiar payment experience.
The company says the feature removes friction at checkout while giving you another payment option. You can use it both in Malaysia and while traveling overseas.
Built for Travelers and Multi-Currency Spending
The new feature is especially useful if you travel frequently or spend in multiple currencies. Merchantrade Money lets you hold balances in several currencies, allowing you to preload funds before your trip.
When you make a purchase overseas, the system automatically deducts the payment from the matching currency wallet when available. According to the company, eligible transactions avoid foreign exchange markups, helping reduce your travel costs.
Because the service uses NFC instead of QR codes, you can continue making payments even if roaming data becomes unreliable. The feature works well in busy locations where speed matters, including metro stations, convenience stores, cafés, and supermarkets.
Company Says Customers Wanted Faster Payments
Cindy Loo, Executive Vice President of Merchantrade Money, said customer feedback drove the decision to add Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet support.
“Our focus is making payments easier and removing friction at checkout, whether our users are paying down the street in Klang or traveling overseas. Integrating the Merchantrade Money Visa Prepaid Card with Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet gives our customers a whole new level of convenience.”
Loo said early testing highlighted just how quickly NFC payments could complete.
“In our early tests, we saw cashiers do a double take when we simply tapped our phones at standard card terminals and cleared the transaction in under a second. QR will always have its place in Malaysia, but this gives our cardholders a serious speed upgrade.”
Setup Takes Only Minutes
You can activate the feature in just a few minutes. Add your Visa Prepaid Card directly from the Merchantrade Money app using in-app provisioning. You can also enter your card details manually in Google Wallet or Samsung Wallet.
Samsung Wallet users can scan their physical card with the app before completing identity verification. Verification takes place through the Merchantrade Money app or by entering a one-time password received via SMS.
Once activated, you authenticate payments using your PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition. You can then tap your phone at any compatible contactless payment terminal.
Visa Token Service Adds Security
Behind the scenes, the integration uses Visa Token Service (VTS) to protect customer information. Instead of transmitting your actual card number, VTS replaces it with a unique digital token during each transaction.
This approach reduces the risk of exposing sensitive card information while maintaining the same payment experience. The security layer works automatically, so you do not need to change any settings or complete additional steps.
A Boost for Malaysia’s Digital Payments
Malaysia’s digital payment market has grown rapidly in recent years. QR payments have become the standard at retailers, restaurants, and small businesses across the country. However, NFC payments have remained largely associated with banks and international digital wallet providers.
Merchantrade’s latest rollout places the company among Malaysia’s early homegrown fintech platforms to offer full Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet integration for prepaid cardholders. The launch also reflects rising demand for faster contactless payments as more consumers choose smartphones over physical wallets.
With nationwide support now available, you can leave your physical card in your wallet and complete purchases with a simple tap of your phone. The update adds convenience while expanding payment options for one of Malaysia’s fastest-growing fintech platforms.
