The firm says it will give millions of people a new way to buy goods and services using their phones.

 

It was thought the payment system would launch alongside Google's Marshmallow operating system, expected in October, but Google launched it on Thursday.

 

It is a direct competitor to Apple Pay, and does almost exactly the same thing - except on Android phones.

 

'Today, we’re beginning to roll out Android Pay - the simple and secure way to pay with your Android phone at over one million locations across the US,' Google said in a blog post.

 

'Android Pay also stores your gift cards, loyalty¹ cards and special offers right on your phone.

 

'We'll be rolling out gradually over the next few days, and this is just the beginning.

 

'We will continue to add even more features, banks and store locations in the coming months, making it even easier to pay with your Android phone.'

 

Google says the service will work at over one million locations across the US.

 

Existing Google Wallet users can access Android Pay through an update to your Wallet app.

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