OK, well, it’s not quite The Beatles, but American tech firms are in the midst of their own British Invasion of sorts — except, of course, they are the invaders in this version. And taking on foreign shores soon will be Android Pay — the Alphabet-backed mobile payments solution.
“We’re bringing together networks, banks and retailers to help you pay simply and securely,” according to the release announcing the news.
Specifically, on the other side of the pond, Android Pay will support 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. More banks are expected to be added within the next few weeks.
Android Pay, being NFC-based, will have a similar acceptance path as its iOS rival, Apple Pay — a story it is used to here in the U.S. — meaning Android will now be in Boots, Costa Coffee and Waitrose, as well as on London public transportation. It will also be showing up as an app-based payment method, being sported by Deliveroo and YPlan, among others.
According to recent estimates, 42.6 percent of British citizens carry an Android phone.
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