Apple Pay has launched in the UK today. Apple iPhone users have woken up to find they can pay with their mobile… at least some can, others have been left disappointed.
iPhone users with HSBC had their hopes dashed of being amongst the first to use Apple Pay as the bank missed the launch deadline. Previously HSBC had been listed as a launch partner by Apple Pay but now it appears their customer will have to wait until later in July to use the service.
Currently NatWest, Nationwide, Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander and Ulster Bank customers can use Apple Pay, but only if you’ve got the latest iPhone 6 with iOS 8.1 or later.
Barclays (who I bank with) have not announced any support date so who knows when their customers be able to use Apple Pay (although not possessing an iPhone I’m not that fussed). Bank of Scotland, Coutts, Halifax, Lloyds Bank, MBNA, M&S Bank and TSB Bank are due to add support at some point in the Autumn.
Have you got Apple Pay? Did you use it on your commute into London today or buy a coffee at Costa? Let us know what you think of Apple Pay and after the initial excitement of using it for the first time, will it become one of your regular payment methods or do you view it as a bit of a gimmick?
We’re certainly not dismissing mobile payments as a gimmick, but with it’s current low (£20 but increasing later in the year £30) limit, you can only use Apple Pay and other NFC payment methods, usage is restricted for small payments. Plus will you remember you can pay with your phone or will you just reach for your wallet or cash next time you come to pay?
