CIBC may be preparing to leave the Caribbean, but it’s not done investing in Jamaica just yet.  They’re just announced that Google Pay is now available to its Jamaican customers.

Just days after news broke that CIBC’s Caribbean operations are being sold to Bermuda-based Bank of N.T. Butterfield, the bank launched Google Pay for Jamaican customers.

That means eligible CIBC credit card holders can now add their cards to Google Wallet and make purchases by simply tapping their Android phones instead of pulling out a physical card.

Now, that might not sound revolutionary if you’ve travelled overseas.  But in Jamaica, it’s actually a pretty big deal.

Digital wallets have been slow to gain traction locally, despite growing demand for contactless payments. Some merchants have even resisted accepting them over concerns about disputes and chargebacks.

Yet globally, the trend is moving in one direction.  Consumers increasingly expect to pay with their phones, watches and other devices instead of cash or cards.

And that’s what makes this announcement so interesting.

Because at the very moment CIBC is preparing to hand over its Caribbean business to Butterfield, it’s also rolling out one of its most significant digital banking upgrades in recent years.

In announcing the launch, the bank said the move supports its focus on convenience, security and innovation while giving customers modern payment options that fit their lifestyles.

The launch also comes as Google continues expanding Google Pay across the Caribbean, with banks in The Bahamas, Trinidad and the Cayman Islands already offering the service.

So while many customers are wondering what CIBC’s future in the region looks like, the bank is sending a clear message:

Business continues as usual… At least for now.

And that’s The Bottom Line.

So what do you think? Have you ever used Apple Pay or Google Pay? And if your bank offered it tomorrow, would you leave your wallet at home?