The wait is over because Google’s most awaited app, Google Pay is here. In case the name doesn’t give it away, this app is designed to let you pay from your phone and even track your purchases.
Google Pay sets to replace Google Wallet and Android Pay. It’s the unification of the two. You can make payments through your mobile in physical and online stores without using your credit card directly. Many giant retailers have started accepting payments via Google Pay. Soon cable providers like Charter Spectrum might join the bandwagon too.
Of course, you must attach your card to validate the transactions. It’s great for streamlining purchases. You can use it to make payments via your mobile phone, tablet, and even smartwatch. Let’s learn more about this app.
How Does it Work?
Google Pay uses NFC (Near Field Communication) technology for transmitting information to the card attached to the user’s account. This facilitates the transaction. The NFC technology isn’t exactly new. It has been around since 2018.
The user doesn’t have to swipe his credit/debit card or enter the pin at the Point Of Sale terminals. Wondering how this form of payment is secure? Well, the app uses a security standard that generates a unique password for each transaction. Your banking information remains secure at all transactions.
When you are adding a credit or debit card to the Google Pay app, it requires a token to represent the card. Once the token is issued, the card is tokenized. This means it is assigned a unique identification number. Google pay encrypts this card and you are ready to make payments.
What Can You Do With Google Pay?
With the Google pay app, you can:
- Make in-store or in transit using your phone
- Pay in the app
- Make online purchases
- Send money to friends and fam (this feature is available in the USA and India only)
To make a purchase, you must tap your mobile phone on the POS terminal. You can also pay inside the app. The app responds with the tokenized card. A cryptogram issues a one-time use password. Once the cryptogram is validated, the token is matched with the customer’s card number. The acquiring bank and customer’s card issue bank then complete the transaction.
Note: Google Pay app does not authorize or process transactions. It only ensures secure and fast transactions.
Ditch your Card and Pay with Google Pay
To pay with Google pay in-store, follow these steps:
- Look for the contactless payment symbol at the checkout terminal.
- Unlock your phone
- If you are wearing a smartwatch, you must launch the Google Pay app
- Hold your phone over the terminal
- Wait until the checkmark appears or you hear a beep
Google says that if your bill is £30, you can pay without unlocking your phone. Only the screen needs to be on. Any purchases above that require authentication, though. But there’s no need to launch the app. You don’t even have to carry a credit or debit card; heck even a wallet! Just complete the transaction with your smartwatch or phone.
Which Devices Are Compatible With Google Pay?
Google Pay supports all modern Android phones. However, to use your phone for making in-store purchases, your device must support HCE and NFC.
To find if your Android device supports these two technologies, go to Settings and tap Wireless and Networks. Tap More under this section. If you see NFC, this means you can make in-store payments.
Which Banks Are Supported?
Google Pay supports Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. All banks that issue these cards are compatible with this app.
Final Words
Google Pay is the safest and fastest way to complete transactions. Don’t worry about the safety of your credit/debit card details at all. Your information is encrypted and stored on secure servers. Cloud storage and security are the cornerstone of Google’s business. Your information is in safe hands.
If you always dreaded carrying plastic cards to shop in-store, your prayers have been answered. Just download the Google Pay app, add your credit or debit card and you are ready to make contactless payments using your smart devices.
Life couldn’t be simpler!
