Apple Pay arrives for some gov.uk website functions

If you’re on the other side of the pond, you’re going to like this.

During its earnings call last week, Apple cited the continued growth of Apple Pay and hinted at support for new apps and transit services to be launched this year. In addition, the UK government has begun accepting Apple Pay for some online payment services.

The gov.uk website has begun Apple Pay for four of its online services. The online platforms supporting Apple Pay include the Global Entry Services, the disclosure and barring service checks, the Registered Traveler Service, and the Electronic Visa Waiver Service.

Apple Pay support will be expanded to local government, police, and the NHS later this year, the report notes.

Per the web site:

Till Wirth, lead product manager of gov.uk Pay, said: “Allowing people to pay for Government services through Apple Pay and Google Pay means they won’t have to enter their credit or debit card information when making payments.“This innovation will increase the convenience and security of gov.uk Pay for users and hopefully make their experience online a lot easier.”

Furthermore, UK minister for implementation, Oliver Dowden, said that by adding Apple Pay support to gov.uk, it can reduce fraud while also making it easier for citizens to making online payments:

“We’re focused on making access to Government services as easy as possible. And introducing mobile payment to gov.uk Pay will also make transactions more secure.“This is another example of how we are working smarter as a Government – improving services for people as well as reducing fraud and costs.”

Apple Pay can be utilized via Touch ID, Face ID, or a paired Apple Watch.

If you’ve had a chance to try Apple Pay on the gov.uk website and have any feedback to offer, please let us know about your experience in the comments.

Via 9to5Mac, ITV, and gov.uk