With the increase in internet financial transactions in recent years, sending and receiving money has become the norm everywhere.
A number of new capabilities and functionalities with improved user interfaces (UIs) have started appearing in the world of digital wallets.
So making payments through a smartphone or smartwatch makes a lot of sense. Here comes Google Pay that allows individuals to accept quick mobile payments for physical goods and services whether you purchase online or in physical shops.
Let’s go into detail about this useful payment app, what it is, how it works, and how it can benefit you as a user of it.
What is Google Pay?
Google Pay is a quick and easy method to pay for things you buy in online stores, in physical shops, and elsewhere.
Now you can go on a much-awaited vacation, get a bite to eat, or watch a movie or concert – all without your wallet.
Getting started on the web with the Google Pay app is a piece of cake. All you have to do is add a card and you’re good to go.
It allows you to save all of your important information in one place, allowing you to move quickly through the checkout process. With this, you can take a look at your previous transactions, look up local retailers, and get access to Rewards as you buy.
Your data is protected and encrypted by Google using numerous layers of security. This enables you to safeguard your payment information and keep your account safe from hackers.
The best feature is that when you pay in stores using this app, your card data are secured by using an encrypted number instead of your actual card number – so, your real card data remains safe.
In a nutshell, Google Pay is a digital wallet and payment method that allows you to:
- Send and receive money.
- Store your credit and debit card details.
- Use your mobile phone to pay for products and services online, in-person, and in stores.
How to set up Google Pay?
To set up it on your mobile phones and smartwatch, please follow the instructions below:
On Mobile Phones
- On your mobile phone, search for the “Google Pay” app. It comes pre-installed on Android phones these days, however, you can also install it directly from Google Play.
- You have to open the “Google Pay” app and select the “Cards” option. Now you can add credit or debit card details. If this is your first time using the app, click “Get Started,” then you have to choose a payment method to add, take a picture of your credit or debit card or simply input your card details. Google will then verify your identity by sending an SMS or email.
- To use this app at any contactless payment terminal, simply unlock your phone and tap.
On Smartwatch
The process is the same if you are using a smartwatch. Simply launch the app on your wristwatch. You will then be guided through the setup procedure on the smartphone to which it is attached. You will have to validate your identity by SMS.
Finally, you will be prompted to set up a PIN, Pattern, or PIN lock on your watch.
What are the Benefits of Google Pay?
It provides benefits for both merchants and customers.
Google Pay Benefits for Merchants
Simple Online Integration: Google Pay API allows you to get up and running quickly with this app.
Increased Sales: This allows easier and faster checkouts that may lead to more store visits, more time spent shopping by customers, and more money spent by customers.
As the customers will not be routed to a third-party website for checkout, the checkout will be smooth and the time it will take will be very less. It not only saves time and effort for your customers, but it may also lead to increased cart conversions and fewer abandoned carts.
No Transaction Costs: When customers use Google Pay to make transactions, merchants will not be charged any additional fees or costs.
Enhanced Security: Google Pay’s card tokenization feature helps in reducing the risk to the merchant and also any fraud from happening.
Google Pay Benefits for Customers
Quick Purchases: Customers will speed through checkout at stores as it is fast and easy.
Free to Use: Google Pay is a free smartphone app that can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. When customers pay using this app, they pay no transaction fees whatsoever.
Peace of Mind: Your credit or debit card details are safe with this app as a virtual account number is used to represent the account information.
Other Benefits:
- A simple and quick method to send and receive money.
- There are many cashback and incentive options available.
- Data is safe due to the encryption and security provided by Google.
- You can pay your utility bills, do mobile phone recharge, and makes purchases online.
- Highly dependable and secure to use.
- Very simple to integrate and set up.
So these are some of the benefits for both customers and merchants.
How does Google Pay work?
It allows money to be sent and received, however, unlike other digital wallets, payments may be received straight into bank accounts.
So the problem of receiving money in wallets and then subsequently transferring them into a bank account is no longer an issue.
How does Google Pay work in apps?
If you are using it to make in-app purchases then this is how you can use it:
- You have to launch a supported app, such as Airbnb or Fandango.
- At the checkout page, look for the “Buy with Google Pay” button. You simply need to select this option for making a purchase.
- If you are asked to select the card you wish to use for making payment and confirm the security code, then enter it.
How does Google Pay work in stores?
If you are using this app purchase items in a physical store, then this is how you can use it:
- Go to a contactless payment station near the checkout section and see if there is a Google Pay payment icon visible there.
- Now open your mobile phone and launch the app.
- You have to hold your phone over the checkout terminal. You will hear a beep that confirms the transaction has been done.
How does Google Pay work on websites?
You can use this app on websites tool. Here are the steps:
It is available in all popular browsers (Chrome, IE, Firefox).
Simply search for the “Google Pay” buy button when you are checking out.
Now, during checkout, if you see any box that says “use this payment method for future purchases”, then tick it and select GPay as your preferred payment option.
This will save you time once you are buying from that website again. All the payment information will be filled in automatically.
Which devices are Google Pay compatible?
Google Pay accepts credit or debit cards from participating card-issuing banks for making in-store purchases.
Customers may also utilize non-NFC-enabled smartphones to make Google Pay transactions through merchant mobile applications.
Also, it is compatible with any latest Android devices that are running KitKat 4.4 or higher versions.
Which banks work with Google Pay?
There are many banks that works with this app.
In United States, it works with the Bank of America, Chase, Capitol One, Citi, Discover, PNC, Wells Fargo, US Bank, and others.
In the United Kingdom, it works with Bank of Scotland, First Direct, HSBC, Halifax, Lloyds Bank, MBNA, M&S Bank, Natwest, and Nationwide Building Society and others.
In India, it works with ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and other banks and financial institutions.
Where is Google Pay accepted?
It is accepted in various places – online, offline, in-apps.
You can literally use it in supermarkets, restaurants, shops, gas stations, Amazon, Target, etc., and in various online apps.
Is Google Pay secure to use?
Yes, because when you pay in-store, it does not reveal your actual credit card information, and the retailer only receives a one-of-a-kind encrypted number.
Google has partnered with various mobile device manufacturers, payment terminal providers, payment networks, Token Service Providers (TSPs), card-issuing banks to implement industry-standard security tokenization to make it a secure app for you to use.
Is Google Pay free?
Yes – it is a free mobile phone application that can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. Also, once you use Google Pay to make purchases, you will not incur any additional transaction fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Google Pay
How to open a Google Pay account?
Step 1: You need to open the Google Play store and download the “Google Pay app”.
Step 2: Then, you need to tap on the arrow to select your desired language.
Step 3: Now enter the mobile phone number associated with your bank account.
Step 4: It will then automatically detect your email address; click “Continue”.
Step 5: You will receive an (OTP) one-time password on your mobile device.
Step 6: Once verified, you now need to select a screen lock or establish a Google pin. Choose any option you like and then click “Continue”.
Step 7: Now finally set your Google account’s screen lock or pin.
How to check the Google Pay balance?
Step 1: Launch Google Pay on your mobile phone.
Step 2: Now you need to scroll down on the screen and tap on “Check Balance”.
Step 3: You will be asked to enter your PIN. Enter your PIN details and you can view the balance then.
How to close your Google Pay account?
Step 1: Launch Google Pay on your mobile device.
Step 2: Click on your profile photo in the top-left corner of the mobile screen.
Step 3: Select the option “Close account”.
Step 4: The last step is to uninstall the app from your mobile phone.
Your bank accounts will get de-linked from the app after you have deactivated the account.
What are the cons of Google Pay?
1. It is only compatible with NFC technology.
2. You are too much dependent on your mobile device when you are using Google Pay. In case your battery dies down, then you have to depend on cash cards.
Is Google pay trustworthy?
So whenever you use this payment app, your card information is never kept on your phone or shared with third parties. The details of only your Virtual Account Number are shared with the merchants.
How to remove Cards from Google Pay?
Step 1: Launch the Google Pay application.
Step 2: Select Payment methods from the drop-down menu under “Settings”.
Step 3: Click on the card that you wish to get rid of.
Step 4: Select the “Remove card” option.
Please be aware that deleting your Card from this app will prevent you from making any tokenized card payments.
How secure is my card on Google Pay?
Can I use multiple cards with Google Pay?
What is Google Pay Beta?
What does “contactless” mean?
How many cards can I register into a Google Pay account?
How long will it take for my Card to activate after registering it to Google Pay?
If I change my phone, do I need to add the Cards all over again?
What if my Card is suspended or expired?
How do I contact Google Pay?
Are Google Pay and Android Pay the same?
Android Pay and Google Wallet were formerly available. However, Google Pay has merged both of them into one app.
Can Google Pay use Paypal?
Final Thoughts
Google Pay is an excellent payments app that can save you time, money and will provide that much needed security when doing transactions online.
Learn more about Google Pay.
