Google Checkout Hits the UK!

The Official Google Blog has just announced that Google Checkout is now available in the UK.

We're excited to tell you that as of this morning the speed, security, and convenience of Google Checkout is available to online shops and shoppers in the United Kingdom.

From now until 2008, merchants that offer Checkout in the UK will receive free credit and debit card processing for all of their Checkout sales. And just so buyers don't feel left out, we're giving them £10 off all orders over £30.

From a buyer's point of view, Google Checkout is a one-stop shop where you can quickly and easily buy from stores across the web, and track all your orders and delivery information in one place. Their fraud protection policy covers you against unauthorised purchases made through Google Checkout, and sellers don't get access to your buying history or full card number. There's also an element of spam protection as you can easily turn off unwanted emails from stores where you use Google Checkout.

Buying should be easier as the Google Checkout badge will appear in relevent Google searches or in affiliate store checkouts. There's no mention of a hook up with Google's price comparison site Froogle though but I expect they'll sort that in time.

Sounds like there are some nice incentives for both buyers and sellers so I imagine the take-up will jog along quite nicely. I remember Securicor offering much the same sort of protected buying system a few years ago, and I even bought a few things through it, but it didn't last very long.