Apple Pay launches in the UK today
Apple Pay has launched in the UK but HSBC customers won't be able to use it until late July Apple

It's been a busy morning on Twitter – HSBC Bank customers have woken up to find out that they will not be able to use Apple Pay's contactless mobile payments as expected, while Barclays has announced that it will be joining Apple Pay in the future.

HSBC Bank, which has over 16 million customers in the UK, was touted as a key launch partner with Apple Pay, but overnight the bank went from being a "participating bank" to "coming soon".

This also means that customers of the HSBC-owned First Direct internet-only bank are unable to use the service too.

HSBC's UK Twitter account has been very busy responding to tweets from customers asking why and when they will be able to use Apple Pay with their HSBC bank cards, but the answer has been surprisingly vague, but apparently the service will still go live this month.

@mac_evangelist We don't have a specific date to share. However we are working hard to make it available asap. ^SD

— HSBC UK (@HSBC_UK) July 14, 2015

@CarolineHydeTV Hi Caroline, we haven't pulled out. We'll be launching Apple Pay later in July. ^SD

— HSBC UK (@HSBC_UK) July 14, 2015

@Ross_Cummings Hi Ross, we'll be launching Apple Pay later in July. When we go live we'll let you know. ^SD

— HSBC UK (@HSBC_UK) July 14, 2015

This is particularly embarrassing for the bank after one of its representatives accidentally leaked that the service would definitely start on 14 July in a tweet since deleted on 12 July, saying: "Yes! It's due to launch this Tuesday! We are excited too! ^FP"

Meanwhile, Barclays Bank has tweeted that it will be getting on board with Apple Pay and will enable its customers to integrate their debit and credit cards with the service, but they have not specified a date.

Customers of Natwest, Santander, Royal Bank of Scotland, Nationwide and Ulster Bank are able to use Apple Pay from today, as well as MBNA credit card customers, but Lloyds, Bank of Scotland, Halifax, TSB and M&S Bank will only support the service from the Autumn.

We're proud to be one of the first UK banks to bring you #ApplePay. https://t.co/X9LWQAg542

— NatWest (@NatWest_Help) July 14, 2015

To add your RBS or NatWest card to your eligible Apple device, select 'Passbook' app & follow this guide: https://t.co/vP36vb3P3I #ApplePay

— RBS (@RBS) July 14, 2015

Apple Pay is now available. Find out more http://t.co/TCIFtdc7Re #ApplePay pic.twitter.com/5adPQMvftA

— Santander UK (@santanderuk) July 14, 2015

We’re proud to be one of the first UK banks to bring you #ApplePay. NI only. http://t.co/i0TmPoPGg7 pic.twitter.com/cS5i21k4zt

— Ulster Bank (@UlsterBank) July 14, 2015

Apple Pay only works with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus at the moment, though those people who have an Apple Watch will also be able to use this (even when it is connected to an iPhone 5, 5c or 5s).

For more information, read our guide on How to use Apple Pay with your iPhone and Apple Watch.

More about Apple Pay
HSBC Barclays