'Android Pay' Has Launched In The UK And There's Freebies To Be Had

For those of you who own an Android device, rejoice. They've launched 'Android Pay' which means that all those smug iPhone users can now get off their high horse when they're paying for their Starbucks with their phone. No-one's impressed.

Google's now announced that Android Pay is available in the UK in places such as Boots, Starbucks and Waitrose. It can also be used to pay for the Tube, bus or train with Transport for London.

All you need to do is download the Android Pay app from the Google Play store. Then, just register your credit or debit cards, and then have fun by paying for stuff with your phone in the same tap tap motion as contactless bank cards.

You can make transactions of up to £30 without unlocking your phone. However, for anything over that, you have to enter your PIN, security pattern or fingerprint.

Jimmy McLoughlin, The Institute of Directors lead on the Digital Economy told the Mirror: "The arrival of Android pay once again demonstrates how the UK is a global leader in uptake of digital technologies.

"We are already the contactless capital of the world, and Android pay gives customers another option for quick and convenient payment."

Apparently, so far Android Pay supports Mastercard and Visa credit and debit cards issued by Bank of Scotland, First Direct, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds Bank, M&S Bank, MBNA and Nationwide Building Society. Others (such as Barclays, Natwest and Santander) are not yet signed up, but Google have said that 'new partners are being added all the time'. So who knows?

Here's the fun bit, there's going to be FREEBIES. Google are celebrating the launch with something called 'Android Pay Day' which will take place on the last Tuesday before payday every month (starting in June). This is (in their own words) "to make that last week just a little less painful".

Topics: Android

Mel Ramsay

Mel Ramsay has been a Senior Journalist for Tyla and LADbible since 2015. She started her career writing obituaries and funeral guides online. Since then, her work has been published in a wide variety of national and local news sites. She is part of the BBC's Generation project and has spoken about young people, politics and mental health on television, radio and online. Contact her - [email protected]

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