Looks like another mobile payment system is taking a trip across the pond.
Google on Wednesday said it is planning to launch its Android Pay system in the United Kingdom “in the next few months.”
According to Google, the service will initially support MasterCard and Visa credit and debit cards from a number of major U.K. banks, including the Bank of Scotland, First Direct, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds Bank, M&S Bank, MBNA and Nationwide Building Society. As with Apple Pay, it appears financial giant Barclay’s won’t be among participating institutions.
Android Pay’s NFC system will be compatible everywhere contactless payments are currently accepted, Google said, including venues like Starbucks, Greggs, Aldi, Boots, BP. Commuters will also be able to use Android Pay for transportation in London, including on the city’s underground railway system and busses.
While Android Pay may not see much competition from Apple’s Apple Pay due to the fact that the services run on different operating systems, it could be thrust into a run for its money soon enough.
Samsung has said it hopes to expand its Samsung Pay mobile payment system, which is currently available in the United States and South Korea and will soon be launched in China, to the United Kingdom later this year.
According to a recent report from Bloomberg, Samsung Pay and Android pay are currently neck and neck, with both having signed up around five million monthly users since their respective launches in September.