Android Pay UK has now launched, meaning that you can now effectively use your smartphone as a debit/credit card. This new system not only allows you to pay for items in shops without the need to whip out your payment card, but it also provides a useful way of keeping up to date with your payments, monitoring your spending and even introducing a few extra layers of security.
What is Android Pay?
Android Pay allows you to to enter your card details into your Android smartphone, with your device then being able to make contactless payments in brick and mortar shops along with providing an easier method of payment in various apps. After making a transaction, your device will display its price along with the merchant’s name and number, allowing you to monitor all of your activity with the service for future reference. For those who have used Apple Pay, it’s the same deal.
Where Can I Use Android Pay?
The new feature is able to be used anywhere that accepts contactless payments, with Android providing a list of the following major UK merchants that support it:
- Aldo
- Boots
- BP
- Caffe Nero
- The Co-operative
- Costa
- Greggs
- KFC
- McDonald’s
- Pret
- Starbucks
- Superdrug
- Transport For London
- Waitrose
Which banks support Android Pay?
Though Android Pay is supported by a whole host of UK shops, not every bank has hopped on board with it on its launch day. However, the following banks all allow you to link your card to the new system:
- Bank of Scotland
- First Direct
- Halifax
- HSBC
- Lloyds Bank
- M&S Bank
- MBNA
- Nationwide
How do I use it?
To use Android Pay, download the official app on your Android device through Google Play by either searching for it on your device’s app store, or by clicking right here. You’ll then be asked to add your credit or debit card, after which you can immediately start buying.
