A new “SuperCard” introduced by EasyCard Corp that can be loaded by tapping it to a smartphone is pictured in an undated photograph. Photo: CNA

Staff writer, with CNA

EasyCard Corp yesterday unveiled the latest special edition of its electronic payment card called the “SuperCard.”

A total of 40,000 SuperCards are available for NT$150 without a deposit or cash value stored and sales began at 11am yesterday through online retailer momo.com, the company told a news conference.

The SuperCard's upgraded chip allows holders to add value to the payment card with their smartphone rather than through ticketing machines or at certain retailers that accept the card, such as convenience stores.

To top up the SuperCard, card holders simply place it on the back of a mobile device with the near-field communication (NFC) feature and use the EasyWallet app to deposit a minimum of NT$100, the company said.

Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je said that EasyCards could be accepted in Okinawa, Japan, as early as next month, after the Financial Supervisory Commission approved the company's partnership with Bank of the Ryukyus.

In other news, people using Android phones with the EasyWallet app and the NFC feature would be able to travel on the Taichung MRT by tapping their phone to enter and exit stations from Monday, the company said in a statement.

In addition to paying for public transportation in Taipei and New Taipei City, the EasyWallet app can be used to make payments at many retailers, including the four major convenience store chains, restaurants and electronics stores, as well as for online purchases.

News source: TAIPEI TIMES