Good news for those of you married to Apple devices (like I am), with the launch of Apple Pay in the United Kingdom.
So what are the requirements for Apple Pay? You will need…
- Apple iPhone 6 (in shops and app)
- Apple iPhone 6 Plus (in shops and app)
- Apple Watch (in shops only)
- Apple iPad (in app only)
Also you will need a card from one of these issues in the first instance:
- American Express UK
- Nationwide
- MBNA UK
- Royal Bank of Scotland
- Santandar UK
- National Westminster (NatWest)
- Ulster Bank
Bank of Scotland, First Direct, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds Bank, M&S Bank and TSB will join at a later stage – whilst other banks such as Co-operative Bank, Tesco Bank, Virgin Money have not announced their plans yet.
For those earning miles on cards, MBNA and American Express should be the ones to focus on. MBNA issues afintiy cars – as it issues cards for American Airlines, Lufthansa, Emirates, Etihad, Virgin Atlantic as well as legacy BMI Credit Card holders. Meanwhile, American Express has options for its Credit Card (such as the British Airways cards) and Charge Cards (for those who collect Membership Rewards)
So who will take Apple Pay? The answer is probably more than you think as there are lot of terminals in the UK that are contactless ready. Just look for the Contactless icon.
(admittedly, I’ve used contactless cards in the USA… and scared the person at the cash resigester when I pop the card on the reader…. and it works)
Contactless payments are currently limited to £20 – this includes Apple Pay. There is support for larger transactions for those who support Consumer Device Cardholder Verification Method.
The contact less transaction limit is due to be lifted in the summer to £30
The official list is at https://www.apple.com/uk/apple-pay/where-to-use-apple-pay/. From a travel perspective there are a few highlights:
- Transport for London (London Underground, Buses, Docklands Light Railway, Emirates Air Line and Rail within the Oyster Zone)
- Hotel Tonight (through the App)
- Mr and Mrs Smith Hotels Collection (through the App)
- Lastminute.com (through the App)
- Vueling (through the App)
As contactless payment spread, for those using Apple devices and compatible accounts
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