Tim Cook on yesterday’s earnings call:

Apple Pay is experiencing phenomenal traction. With the launch of Taiwan and Ireland in the March quarter, Apple Pay is now live in 15 markets, with more than 20 million contactless-ready locations, including more than 4.5 million locations accepting Apple Pay in the U.S. alone. We’re seeing strong, growing usage as points of acceptance expand with transaction volume up 450% over the last 12 months.

In the UK, for example, points of acceptance have grown by 44% in the last year while monthly Apple Pay transactions have grown by nearly 300%. In Japan, where Apple Pay launched last October, more than half a million transit users are completing 20 million Apple Pay transactions per month and we’re always excited to see our partners bring their customers new ways to use Apple Pay. You can now even send a Starbucks gift card via iMessage with just a touch.

One number stands out there:

• Apple Pay transaction volume up 450% year-over-year

More users, more iPhones/Apple Watches, more places that accept Apple Pay, fueled by Apple finding more ways for a merchant to take advantage of Apple Pay. I expected steady growth, surprised by that blossoming transaction volume.