I don't know why some are blaming Apple for this issue, or why they think Apple wants to control the payment system. If the banks did not jump on board, Apple pay would fail, not the other way around. The banks run this country not Apple. They decide if you get a loan. They decide if you get credit. If they tell the merchants they better get NFC or their line of credit will be cut, guess what, the merchants will comply, even the big chains. The banks will flex their muscle, if and when they need to flex their muscle. If the banks demand NFC, the merchants will comply or suffer. The banks do not work for the consumer. The banks do not work for the merchants. The banks work for themselves and control of everything.