CommBank has already invested in NFC with its Kaching platform. While the iPhone lacks NFC, CommBank has built a case called iCarte that adds the function to the iPhone 4 and 4S. CommBank also has integrated NFC into Pi, its .

While iCarte doesn't support the iPhone 5, Unsworth wrote on the CommBank blog that the bank's mobile apps team is "already working on a holistic solution for all CommBank Kaching users (both iPhone and Android) who wish to make contactless payments with their smartphone." A CommBank spokeswoman declined to provide a release timeframe.

"Near Field Communication innovation is part of a broader evolution that include contactless payments and chip-enhanced cards," an NAB spokesman said. "NAB's strategy is to partner with global technology leaders to ensure our customers can benefit from world's best practice in payments."

NAB this week announced a partnership with VeriFone to deploy mobile payments technology, including a sleeve for iPhone and iPad that turn the devices into payment terminals for merchants. The companies will also be rolling out new EFTPOS terminals including an embedded contactless reader.