After launching in the US last year, Android Pay will soon make its way to another major part of the world.
Google confirmed today that Android Pay is coming soon to the UK. Specifically — or not so specifically — Android Pay will launch in the UK “in the next few months.” All that you’ll need is an Android device running KitKat 4.4 or higher, the Android Pay app, and a qualifying card.
Android Pay in the UK will support MasterCard and Visa credit and debit cards from financial institutions like Bank of Scotland, First Direct, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds Bank, M&S Bank, MBNA, and Nationwide Building Society. Google says that it’ll be adding more banks all the time. Android Pay will be accepted at UK shops like Boots, BP, Costa, Greggs, Pret, Starbucks, Superdrug, and Waitrose, and you’ll also be able to pay for the Tube, buses, and trains with Transport for London.
Finally, Android Pay users in the UK will be able to pay for things inside of apps like JD Sports, Deliver, Plan, Loungebuddy, Zara, and more.
Google also chimed in with an update on Android Pay in the US, saying that it’s been growing steadily with 1.5 million new registrations each month.
It’s exciting to see Android Pay making its way to the UK soon. Apple Pay already there, so it’s good to see Google’s mobile payment service coming there, too. Plus, Android Pay’s expansion will help drive overall mobile payment adoption, which is great news for anyone that likes to pay for their phone because it can convince more stores and financial institutions to support mobile payments.
