Android Pay finally on its way

After months of speculation, Google finally signalled its Android Pay product was on its way to the UK on Wednesday.

The product allows any device running the Android 4.4 operating system or higher, with a near-field communication (NFC) chip fitted, to be used as an alternative to contactless credit and debit cards.

It worked similarly to the Apple Pay product, which had been available in the UK since July last year but remained limited to devices made by Google rival Apple.

Android Pay was launched in the US in September, and a Google spokeswoman said on Wednesday that it was “likely” that the UK would be its second market.

Google - part of the Nasdaq-listed Alphabet - said it had reached agreement with Visa and MasterCard, as well as with Bank of Scotland, First Direct, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds Bank, M&S Bank, MBNA and Nationwide ahead of the launch.

The service was locked in a battle with the Samsung Pay service from the Korean electronics giant, which also works on Android phones - but only those made by Samsung.

Samsung had previously confirmed its offering would arrive on British shores in 2016.