Samsung Pay for the UK Pushed Out Until 2017

One reason for the delay could be the fact that unlike Android Pay and Apple Pay — both of which are live in the UK — Samsung Pay uses MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission) instead of an NFC-based payment system. While this system works well in the US because almost all point of sale systems still accept magnetic forms of payment, Europe and other regions have mainly started using chip-based technology as well as other forms of contactless payment.

Android Central received the below statement confirming the delay from a Samsung spokesperson:

Following successful launches of Samsung Pay around the world, we are planning to launch the service in the UK in 2017.

While Samsung hasn’t officially stated a reason for the delay, The Telegraph believes that it is because Samsung is still negotiating with local banks. Until then, Samsung owners can still use Android Pay if they want to use their smartphones as their mobile wallets in the UK.