Google Pay lets you make in-app and in-store purchases, as well as pay for and receive payments from other people with your smartphone. You can also use it to protect your card and bank accounts and prevent phishing or malware.

You may be wondering if Google Pay app is the right choice for you if you are an Android user or Google user. Let’s have a look at Google Pay, its features, security, and all the pros and cons.

What’s Google Pay?

Google Pay, a mobile wallet that is similar to Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, is available only for Android. Google Pay can be used to purchase items online, make purchases in stores that accept contactless payments, pay for in-app purchases, send and receive payments from others, and check out products when you’re shopping.

Google Pay was introduced by Google in 2018. It is a revamp of its legacy Google Wallet payment system as well as Android Pay. Google launched a new Google Wallet app for Android phones in 2022. It works with Google Pay and lets users store virtual credit cards and debit cards, loyalty cards and keys.

What does Google Pay do?

You can link your bank accounts, credit cards, and debit cards to Google Pay to make payments online or in-store. While you can use Google Pay for online purchases on both Androids and iPhones, contactless in-store purchase are only possible on Android phones. A Google account is required.

You can receive cash-back rewards or money from someone else when they pay you. After verifying your identity you can access your account balance to make purchases and pay your peer.

Receive or pay payments from an individual or group

Google Pay, similar to Zelle or Venmo, allows you to request or send payments to other people through its mobile app. You can search for people using their name, email address or phone number, as well as a QR code. The app allows you to chat with them, pay them or request payment.

The new Google Pay app is required to pay someone or receive payment. You can invite someone to Google Pay if they don’t have it.

Splitting a bill between multiple people is possible by choosing multiple contacts from the app. You can also edit the amount each person will pay if you don’t wish to split it evenly.

You must first add money to your Google Pay account before you can pay someone using your account balance. After verifying your identity, you can add funds to a synced account. You can also receive money from friends, which you can later transfer to your bank account.

Shop in stores

An Android phone is required to use Google Pay in-store payments. You can pay at the shop by unlocking your smartphone, placing it near the payment terminal, and following the on-screen instructions.

You can also access loyalty cards and gift card, pay for tickets to events or travel by train or bus. You can also earn rewards for eligible purchases, and receive offers and discounts from businesses through the app.

Shop online or make in-app purchases

Google Pay allows you to pay with your credit card via apps or websites that support Google Pay. Select the Google Pay icon at checkout to choose your payment method. You may need to enter your shipping information depending on which app you use.

Click “Payment Methods” to change the card you use with Google Pay. You can then edit or add a card. You can update an expired card by clicking “Fix” beside it.

Google Pay recommends that you enable password protection to prevent unintentional or unwanted in-app purchases.

Is Google Pay secure?

Google Pay is claimed to be safer than physical credit cards or cash for many reasons.

• Virtual account number — Merchants do not see your card number. Instead, they receive a virtual number from Google Pay.
• Protected data — Google Pay protects your accounts and cards from phishing or other malware.
• Fraud alert – Google Pay uses AI to alert you when there are fraud or phishing threats. You will also receive alerts when someone is paying you.
• Additional login security — In order to open an app or pay someone, you will need to provide a pin or pattern, or biometric. These requirements may vary from one country to the next.
• You can turn on personalization Although Google Pay can personalize the experience in the app based upon your transaction history, it is not the default setting. To test it out, you can opt for personalization for three month.
• Private transactions – Payment transactions between two people are only visible to you.
• Google Find My Device – If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remotely lock it, log out of Google Find My Device, and delete all data.

The pros and cons of Google Pay

Before you decide whether or not to use the app.

Pros and Cons of Google Pay

• The app is free to download and use. However, if you want to transfer money from your account with a debit card you will need to pay a fee.
• Google Pay does more than just allow you to pay peer-to-peer. You can also buy items online.
• This app offers multiple levels of security. This allows users to safeguard their data and privacy, as well as protect against malware and fraud.
• Google Pay provides cash-back rewards on purchases made at selected businesses.
• You have the ability to search for specific purchases or digital receipts by linking your bank account, Gmail account, and Google Photos.

Cons for Google Pay

• This app was created primarily for Android users. Only Android phones can make contactless payments with Google Pay in shops. Google Pay also offers other features for iPhone and iPad. However, you will need iOS 12.0 or higher and a valid U.S. phone number or Singaporean account.
• A credit or debit card can only be added to Google Wallet if it supports contactless payments.
• Not all stores in-person accept contactless payments.
• Google Pay in stores can only be used via the mobile app. You will need another method of payment if your phone’s battery goes dead while you shop.
• Not all smartphones support Google Pay. To use the app, you must ensure that your phone meets the security standards for contactless payment and have NFC technology. You can check this by opening the settings app on your Android and entering NFC in search bar. These features may not be available on older models of smartphones.

Other payment options

Google Pay isn’t the only method to send money, or use contactless payments. Apple Pay is a contactless payment option that allows you to use your iPhone’s credit and debit cards. It also allows you to make in-store purchases. Venmo, a money transfer app, can be used to send and receive payments from your friends. However, if you have a credit card you will need to pay a 3% fee per purchase.

Zelle, a peer-to-peer method of payment that is available if your bank offers it, can also be considered. However it does not allow you to use credit card. Samsung Pay is also available for millions of retailers if your phone has the Samsung brand.