AIB customers will be able to pay for transactions with their phones through Apple Pay.

Apple Pay works with debit and personal credit cards everywhere contactless payments are accepted.

Apple Pay works with the iPhone SE, iPhone 6 and later, and the Apple Watch.

The bank say security and privacy is at the core of Apple Pay.

"When you use a credit or debit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device, nor on Apple servers.

"Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted and securely stored in the secure element on your device.

Each transaction is authorised with a one-time unique security code.

Source: AIB

AIB head of brand and proposition, Brian Keating, says: "The introduction of Apple Pay is a part of AIB’s ongoing commitment to offering our customers new and convenient ways to pay."

Online shopping in apps and on websites accepting Apple Pay is as simple as the touch of a finger with Touch ID.

Ulster Bank and KBC were the first Irish banks to introduce Apple Pay back in March.