Spar is set to join the contactless payment revolution with the launch of Apple Pay in the UK next month.

The symbol group will offers its customers the ability to pay with Apple Pay, which it describes as an easy, secure and private method of payment.

When a customer adds a credit or debit card to Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device, nor on Apple servers. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted and securely stored in the secure element on a customer’s device and each transaction is authorised with a one-time unique dynamic security code.

Spar UK managing director Debbie Robinson said: “Apple Pay will offer huge benefits to our customers and retailers. It is perfect for high value purchases at our forecourt garages and larger convenience stores; it will also appeal to busy shoppers doing their top-up shopping at Spar stores up and down the country.

“Apple Pay meets all of our customer requirements, including increased security and privacy. It also offers our Spar retailers huge benefits such increased footfall, improved customer service and faster transactions in-store.

“We feel the UK is about to witness one of the most radical changes to the way in which shoppers pay for goods, led by Apple Pay, and Spar will be one of the first retail chains to support this new mobile payment revolution.”

Apple Pay works with iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch.