Apple Pay adds support for 17 new US banks and credit unions

By AppleInsider Staff

Apple this week expanded support for its quickly growing Apple Pay service with the addition of 17 new U.S. banks and credit unions.

Tacked on to a running list of supporting financial institutions, the latest announcement follows a batch of more than 30 additions in December and brings the total to more than 1,660 participating card issuers nationwide.

Apple added the following 17 banks and credit unions to its Apple Pay support page:

Though Apple Pay got off to a slow start, the fledgling digital payments product has grown rapidly over the past two quarters with major launches in Japan and, more recently, Spain. Apple's payment arm also broadened existing international support Russia, Australia, China and Singapore.

Most recently, Apple reached an agreement with Square in December to integrate Apple Pay with the Square Cash "virtual debit card" system.

Last month, Apple Pay chief Jennifer Bailey said 35 percent of U.S. retailers, or some 4 million locations, now accept the touchless payments product. Looking to 2017, Bailey expects Apple Pay availability in two out of every three stores as giant chains like Gap come onboard.