Android Pay has been catching on worldwide as more and more services jump on board and adoption increases. While it may be the only option for non-Samsung Android owners as far as mobile payment goes, the large number of banks and retailers that took a while to come around and the requirement to have a fairly current, non-rooted Android device have historically kept adoption a bit lower than Google would hope. In the UK, Android Pay is finally hitting its stride, and Mastercard is lending a hand. During a promotional period, customers who use the London Metro on certain Mondays will be reimbursed if they pay with a Mastercard linked to Android Pay, and customers all through the UK, including Scotland, England and Wales, can stop by any Caffe Nero location and grab a free coffee.
The London Transit offer’s caveats are a bit complex, but the offer is definitely going to still tickle the fancy of more than a few travelers who happen to have Android Pay and Mastercard in their pockets. For starters, the offer can only be used on October 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th. The list of transit services that are on board is quite long, and includes most of the more popular options for getting around London. Customers boarding a “bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, TfL Rail, Emirates Air Line, Thames Clippers River Bus, Gatwick Express and most National Rail services in London” and following the conditions of the promotion will find their trip comped. On most buses and trams, your Android device with a Mastercard loaded on via Android Pay must be tapped at the start of your journey. On most other options, you will find yellow terminals at the start and end that must be tapped. Following directions will net customers a refund within 28 working days, up to £30.50 per day.
As for the free coffee, unlike the transit, you won’t need to have the funds to cover your java on hand, and you won’t have to wait to be reimbursed; simply show the barista at Caffe Nero your Android Pay device with a Mastercard on it, and you’ll be good for a selection of standard drinks and lattes. Customers can get one free coffee per promotional day. The offer does not cover any extras, such as different syrups and specialty drinks, and cold drinks. Anybody buying something of that sort along with their free beverage must use the Mastercard on their Android Pay device, or they will be denied the free coffee. If employees have any reason to think that you’re breaking the terms of the deal, they can deny you the free coffee.