Commonwealth Bank of Australia has announced a series of upgrades to its mobile banking and payments service, including plans to offer NFC payments using secure elements embedded in "certain phones" and NFC stickers that can be used to make payments by customers with a standard mobile phone.

COMMBANK: Customers can use a contactless sticker or the built-in NFC on "certain phones"

"Certain phones that have inbuilt NFC technology will allow you to set up Tap & Pay via the CommBank app, to use wherever MasterCard PayPass is accepted," the bank says. "For other mobile phones, we have developed the CommBank PayTag — a 'smart' sticker placed on the back of your phone, that lets you make fast and secure contactless payments.

"Within the CommBank app you'll be able to turn Tap & Pay on and off and manage the bank account it's linked to. Initially the CommBank PayTag will be available for customers who have Android or iPhone handsets."

The new CommBank app will also enable customers to pay bills using QR codes, pay friends using just their mobile number, email, Facebook contact or, for iOS users, via Bump, and check their account balance "with a simple swipe on their phone (no PIN required)."

The new features "will roll out across the remainder of 2013 and into 2014," the bank says, with the PayTags costing A$2.99 each.

"This announcement demonstrates we've taken the next step in pioneering the mobile payments evolution, with CommBank PayTag and an embedded NFC payment solution," says Angus Sullivan, the bank's executive general manager for cards, payments, analytics and retail strategy. "As the only Australian bank with an NFC payment solution for both iPhone and Android devices, this will transform the way our customers make everyday payments."