9th January 2026 - 3 min read
Hong Leong Bank will introduce new requirements for Google Pay transactions in Malaysia, with changes taking effect from 27 January 2026.
The update applies to HLB debit cards, debit card-i, and credit cards added to Google Wallet, and will affect how higher-value contactless payments are approved and counted towards daily limits.
Under the new rules, Google Pay transactions above RM250 will no longer require PIN verification at the payment terminal.
Instead, cardholders will only need to unlock their device to complete the transaction. This replaces the current practice, where transactions above RM250 require both device unlocking and PIN entry at the point of sale.
The change is already confirmed and will take effect from 27 January 2026.
Hong Leong Bank will also change how Google Pay spending is treated under daily contactless limits.
Currently, Google Pay transactions are included in the contactless daily cumulative limit. From 27 January 2026, Google Pay payments will no longer be added to this limit.
For consumers, this means mobile wallet spending through Google Pay will not reduce the remaining contactless allowance for physical card tap transactions, offering more flexibility in managing daily payments.
HLB Mastercard cardholders who want to enjoy the new Google Pay rules immediately can remove and re-add their card to Google Wallet.
Cardholders who do not take this step will still receive the update automatically, with Hong Leong Bank confirming that all eligible cards will be updated by the end of Q1 2026.
In line with the Google Pay update, Hong Leong Bank will revise several card-related documents. These include the cardholder agreement, debit card product disclosure sheets, junior debit card product disclosure sheets, and debit card terms and conditions.
The updated rules are already finalised and are not subject to further consultation.
For HLB cardholders who use Google Pay, the update is expected to make higher-value contactless payments quicker and more seamless, while separating mobile wallet transactions from physical card contactless limits.
As PIN verification will no longer be required for Google Pay transactions above RM250, cardholders should ensure their devices are properly secured, as device authentication will play a central role in authorising payments going forward.
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Samuel writes about personal finance and financial news, focusing on how banking updates, policies, and promotions affect everyday money decisions. He enjoys making complicated financial topics easier to follow. Outside of writing, he spends his time watching TV shows and occasionally convincing himself he will only watch one episode.
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