Google has pulled off a major coup in Australia by signing up ANZ, Westpac and major retailers such as Coles to its contactless payment service.

While Apple has struggled to attract Australian partners to its rival iPhone-based Apple Pay, Google has linked up with two of the big four banks, Coles, Telstra, McDonald's and others to offer Australians the option of paying for goods and services using their Android mobile phones.

Apple Pay arrived in Australia first but, unlike Android Pay, still only has one partner: American Express. Credit:Dado Ruvic

Google has already launched Android Pay in the US and will roll out the service to Australia next year.

"Aussies will be able to use Android Pay everywhere contactless payments are accepted," Google product management director Pali Bhat wrote in a blog post.