Android Pay is set to rival Apple's "tap and pay" service
SMARTPHONES replacing wallets took another step towards reality yesterday as Google launched its mobile payments system in the UK.
Android Pay is Google’s answer to it arch rival Apple’s “tap and pay” service which came to the UK last July.
It signals a major boost to the mobile payments industry, as Android smartphones - such as those by Samsung, Sony and Huawei - account for more than half of mobile phones sold in the UK.
With the two biggest tech firms having a mobile wallet, experts say it is only a matter of time before phones take over the role of people’s wallets - having already become users’ cameras, diaries, sat nav device and music players.
The technology works in a similar way to Apple Pay - allowing users to load their Visa and MasterCard credit or debit card details on to a smartphone equipped with a so-called Near-Field Communication chip.
Android Pay from Google is a rival to Apple's "tap and pay" service
Apple Pay was launched in the UK last July
Customers will be able to use their phones to make contactless payments in a similar way to using a contactless card.
Users can make transactions up to £30 without unlocking their phone.
They just tap it on the card reader.
For transactions higher than £30, you need to approve it using your normal security method - such as unlock code or fingerprint.
It works anywhere with a contactless card terminal, so Brits with Android phones can use it at stores like Boots, Starbucks and Waitrose and pay for the Tube, bus and train with Transport for London.
It can also be used in apps including JD Sports, Deliveroo and YPlan.
To start using Android Pay you’ll need to download the Android Pay app on Google Play and have an eligible MasterCard or Visa credit or debit card from one of the supported banks, such as Bank of Scotland, First Direct, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds Bank, M&S Bank, MBNA and Nationwide Building Society.
New banks will be added.
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