Apple Pay coming to HSBC and first direct customers from July

HSBC and first direct customers will offer customers access to Apple Pay, which is transforming mobile payments with an easy, secure and private way to pay, soon after it launches in the UK.

Francesca McDonagh, head of retail banking and wealth management UK, HSBC said “HSBC and first direct customers will be among the first in the UK to use Apple Pay, giving them the option to pay securely using the latest technology. It’s just one of the ways we’re helping our customers manage their money the way they want to, whether that’s on a smartphone, in branch or online.”

Security and privacy are at the core of Apple Pay. When customers add a credit or debit card to Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device, or on Apple servers. Instead, a unique device account number is assigned, encrypted and securely stored in the Secure Element on the device. Each transaction is authorised with a one-time unique dynamic security code, instead of using the security code from the back of a card.

In stores, Apple Pay works with iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch. When paying for goods and services within apps, Apple Pay is compatible with iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3.