MasterCard to Bring Android Pay to Cardholders in the UK
MasterCard Digital Enablement Service (MDES) to power safe and secure device-based payments on eligible Android devices
Millions of MasterCard cardholders and Android device owners in the UK will soon have additional safe and secure ways to make mobile payments and purchases, as Google today announced it will launch Android Pay in this market. HSBC, Lloyds, MBNA and M&S Bank will be the first banks to support Android Pay in the UK, following Android Pay’s successful launch in the United States in September 2015.
Android Pay enables MasterCard credit, debit, prepaid, commercial and small business cardholders to use their eligible Android smartphones for everyday purchases in-store and within Android apps.
Once a MasterCard cardholder downloads the app and sets up an account, making a payment with Android Pay at a store is simple, safe and secure. To pay, consumers unlock their device, hold it near a payment terminal at any location that accepts MasterCard contactless payments, and their payment will be complete. MasterCard built the foundation for secure digital transactions, so consumers can use their cards when, where and how they want.
Developers can quickly enable Android Pay for in-app payments across merchant sites via the Simplify Commerce and the MasterCard Payment Gateway. In the US and UK, Google has partnered with these MasterCard platforms to make it easy for merchants of all sizes to accept in-app payments securely from Android users.
“The strength of our technology means that consumers can enjoy both security as well as simplicity. MasterCard cardholders can feel confident about using their digital MasterCard cards for everyday purchases,” said Mark Barnett, President of MasterCard UK & Ireland.
MasterCard issuers who participate in the MasterCard Digital Enablement Express program can onboard easily and quickly to Android Pay, as Google brings its service to new markets.
“We’re excited to bring the simplicity and security of mobile payments to MasterCard customers with Android Pay. Soon, people will be able to use their Android device to pay at the hundreds of thousands of contactless payment terminals in the UK,” said Pali Bhat, Senior Director, Product Management, Google.
MasterCard contactless payments are accepted in 74 countries and more than four million merchant locations worldwide. To find a listing of contactless-enabled merchant locations, download the MasterCard Nearby app or go to www.mastercard.com/contactless.