Apple Pay used in UK with a US credit card

4/19/2017 3:02:31 PM

I have had success using Apple Pay with a US issued credit card on the London underground. The key is to use a MasterCard. While some Visa cards issued in the US MIGHT work, most MasterCards issued in the US will work.

Make sure you open your wallet app and scan your fingerprint before you get to the gate so you don’t slow people down behind you.

For all other contactless payments around London both my US issued Visa and Mastercard worked with Apple Pay.

11/17/2015 7:39:11 AM

I tried last month to use multiple ApplePay cards,including a Bank of America Visa, a personal platinum AMEX and a business gold AMEX for the tube. No luck on all fronts.

9/26/2018 8:12:54 AM

Yes Apple Pay will (technically) work practically anywhere in the world where you see the Visa payWave or MasterCard PayPass symbols, including on the London Underground.

However, there are a couple of things that you may want to consider before using Apple Pay abroad.

Firstly, as you have mentioned, informing your credit card company of your travel plans. This will ensure that your card does not get flagged or suspended for potential fraudulent activities when used overseas.

Secondly, as pointed out by Terence Eden in the comments above, double check with your credit card provider about fees and exchange rate premiums for foreign transactions. These vary widely by card issuer and in some cases can be exorbitant. As an example, one of my UK credit cards charges 5% exchange rate premium, plus a 2.9% foreign transaction fee. Your card company may market “fee free”, but that may be masking a higher exchange premium.

I live in Hong Kong and have used Apple Pay with US and UK cards in over a dozen countries with no issues, including using a US card on London trains and buses before Apple Pay was officially released in the UK.

Although the limit per Apple Pay transaction in UK is currently £20 – you will be subject to the Sterling equivalent of whatever limit you have back home. With some merchants, you may also experience a slightly longer period to authorise your transaction.

2018 update

Although Apple Pay was limited in the past at £20 then £30, there is now no limit on an Apple Pay transaction. There is a £30 limit on contactless card payments though.

Credit:stackoverflow.com‘

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

Search Posts

Latest posts

Popular posts