Apple Pay launched in Canada, only the third country after the US and UK to debut the payment service since it was first unveiled a year ago.

However, in line with a previous announcement, Apple Pay in Canada is limited to American Express cardholders, at least for the moment. Reports said the US firm struggled to reach agreement with local banks on putting their cards in the Apple Pay wallet.

For instance, co-branded American Express credit cards, such as one offered by Bank of Nova Scotia, are not included in the deal, said the Financial Post. Similarly, Apple Pay is unavailable for Visa or MasterCard cards in Canada.

Under the deal with Amex, Apple Pay is also due to launch with the credit card firm in Australia before the end of 2015, and then Spain, Singapore and Hong Kong will follow in 2016.

Apple and American Express said any merchant terminal in Canada equipped with NFC and Amex’s own contactless payment system could accept payments.

The launch date of 17 November was reported by iPhone in Canada.