Google’s Apple Pay rival Android Pay is finally here in the UK
Good news for anyone eager to pay using just the swipe of their mobile, but who doesn't own an iPhone.
Google's Android Pay is launching in the UK today, bringing the tap and pay technology to millions of smartphone users across the country.
A rival to Apple Pay which launched last year, the app lets users pay by swiping their phone at thousands of shops which accept contactless technology, and across London's Tube and travel network.
Pret, Starbucks, Boots and Waitrose are just some of the locations where you'll be able to pay by mobile, as well as websites Deliveroo and Zara.
Read more: Why Google's Android Pay launch is far more exciting than Apple's
Anyone who has a Visa or Mastercard debit card with Bank of Scotland, First Direct, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds Bank, M&S Bank, MBNA and Nationwide Building Society will be able to use the new feature.
The app is available to download now on Google's Play Store. Users simply add their card information and thanks to near field communication (NFC) technology in smartphones, can pay just by tapping their phones.
Google accidently let slip that the launch was happening in a since deleted tweet on Tuesday, however, the app is available to download now and a formal announcement is expected shortly.
Some people had already used it on Wednesday morning.
Cool, successfully used Android Pay to pay for my bus into work.
— Sam Bowman (@s8mb) May 18, 2016
Read more: Here's how we're spending with contactless since the limit went up
Notably absent from the list of banks lining up to support Android Pay is Barclays. It last week revealed that it is going it alone with its own app on Android that is integrated with its existing banking app.
The introduction of Apple pay last year has been credited with the rising use of contactless payments, particularly in London where it makes paying on public transport a much simpler, smoother experience.