How Does The Google Pay App Work, And How Can You Make Payments Using Google Pay?

Google Pay is a super convenient modern payment method from Google. To make transactions, you need a bank card that supports the app and an NFC-enabled smartphone. No more worrying about plastic cards, wallets, and other small items. You can pay simply by tapping your smartphone to terminals.

What is Google Pay?

Google Pay is not just an app on your phone; it’s a complex mobile payment system that allows you to use your bank card without its physical presence. It runs on the Android OS and supports all four major global payment systems – Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. The system was created on January 8, 2018, by merging Android Pay and Google Wallet. Usage with iOS is possible in some countries, but the app’s functionality will be limited.

Today, Google Pay is the second most popular online transaction system after Apple Pay. For payment data transmission, it uses near-field communication (NFC) technology.

Google Pay is a universal program that allows the use of:

• Bank cards – debit and credit;
• Tickets and boarding passes for transport;
• Gift cards;
• Loyalty programs.

How Google Pay Works

Google Pay attracts users primarily with its simplicity and convenience, and payments are processed almost instantly. Here’s how payment works:

1. You bring your phone with the app and activated NFC to a terminal, for example, in a store.
2. Choose the card for payment if it is not set as default.
3. Wait – some terminals may require additional authorization, such as entering a PIN.
4. The transaction occurs.
5. You receive a notification about the withdrawal of funds or a lack of funds if the balance is low.

Many users worry about their data being intercepted by criminals during NFC transmission. In fact, the system does not share confidential data or card numbers; instead, it sends a single-use secret code that is carefully encrypted.

How to Set Up the Google Pay App

Starting with Google Pay can barely be called setup, as it is very simple and practically requires no actions from the user. To get started, follow these 5 steps:

1. Make sure your smartphone has Android KitKat 4.4 or newer and NFC.
2. Download the Google Pay app.
3. Add a payment method in your Google account.
4. Link cards if desired.
5. Enable NFC and start using it.

How to Link a Card to Google Pay

To add a new card to your Google Pay app, you need the installed app and the card – either a bank or gift card, or a ticket you want to add. Then follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Pay app.
2. Find and press the “Add to Wallet” button in the bottom right corner.
3. From the options offered by the app, choose what to add – a payment card, travel document, loyalty card, or gift card.
4. The app will prompt you to place the card within a frame on the screen to take a picture. If this doesn’t work, you can enter the details manually and confirm.
5. Review the card issuer’s terms.
6. Wait a few seconds for data processing.
7. Confirm card addition via SMS from the bank or in the bank app.
8. The card appears in the app and is ready for use.

How to Pay with Google Pay

Paying with Google Pay is almost the same as using a contactless card, but you tap the terminal with your smartphone. Here’s the process:

1. Make sure the terminal supports Google Pay.
2. Activate your smartphone and tap it to the terminal.
3. Choose the card for payment in the Google Pay app if it is not set as default.
4. Confirm the transaction if necessary.

You can also use Google Pay for online purchases. Look for the Google Pay logo on the website. The store’s interface will offer payment options, including Google Pay. This is very convenient as you don’t have to enter payment details – all information is already in the app.

You can also read our article – Review of the Perfect Money Payment System: How Does It Work.

How to Use Google Pay – Video

To learn more about using Google Pay, watch the video:

Conclusions

Google Pay is a very convenient contactless payment method. Just install the app on your phone and add your cards. You can also use it to pay for transport or use gift and discount cards.

Frequently Asked Questions about Google Pay