If you’re planning to ring in the New Year with a bang, here’s something you might want to know—your mobile wallet might not work. Yes, eftpos users across Australia could be caught off guard during one of the busiest nights of the year.

Why the Fuss?

The issue boils down to a major update to the eftpos network that kicks off at 12:01 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. This update is designed to future-proof the system, ensuring it works seamlessly from January 1, 2025. But for some, it might mean starting the year with payment headaches.

Australian Payments Plus (AP+), the organization behind eftpos, confirmed that up to 60,000 Australians could be impacted—specifically those who added their eftpos cards to mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay before July 2023. If this sounds like you, read on.

What You Need to Know

Here’s the quick lowdown:

• Who’s affected? Only mobile wallet users with specific settings, like using an eftpos-only card or enabling eftpos-specific features. If you’re using a physical debit card, you’re in the clear.
• What’s happening? An automatic update will roll out to 19.1 million eftpos cards, but some might need manual intervention.
• When? The outage begins on December 31, right in the middle of New Year’s Eve celebrations.

How to Fix It

No need to stress—it’s a simple fix. If you’re one of the impacted users, all you need to do is remove your card from your mobile wallet and re-add it. Many banks are already reaching out to their customers with instructions.

“This update is a quick and straightforward process,” says Australian Banking Association CEO Anna Bligh. “Banks are making sure customers have everything they need to make the fix.”

AP+ CEO Lynn Kraus also addressed the situation: “Even though only a small number of users may be affected, we understand it’s a busy time of year. We’re taking every precaution to minimize the impact.”

Heads Up: Watch for Scams

Whenever there’s a technical update, scammers are quick to pounce. Be cautious of any messages asking for personal or bank details. Remember, AP+ won’t contact you directly. If something seems off, verify with your bank before taking any action.

“Each bank will handle communication with their customers,” an AP+ spokesperson explained. “If you’re unsure about a message, double-check before responding.”

Why It Matters

This update highlights just how dependent we’ve become on digital payment systems. With 19 million eftpos cards in use, ensuring long-term functionality is critical as Australia continues moving toward a cashless society.

Plan Ahead for a Smooth New Year’s Eve

Don’t let payment issues put a damper on your celebrations. If you’re using a mobile wallet and think you might be affected, take these steps:

1. Remove your eftpos card from your mobile wallet.
2. Re-add the card before December 31.
3. Double-check any messages from your bank to avoid falling victim to scams.

By acting early, you can avoid disruptions and focus on enjoying the start of 2025 hassle-free.