How to Use Google Pay in Stores and Online Securely
Google Pay is a virtual wallet available for mobile devices allowing users to pay in stores, pay for purchases online in apps on websites, send money to friends, manage tickets, and save airplane boarding passes. The idea is to allow users to pay quickly and easily without having to carry credit cards along. Google Pay is a payments system that was rolled out in 2018 combining the Google Waller and Android Pay. Originally only available on Android devices and in Google Chrome, Google Pay now works on iOS devices and in Firefox and Safari web browsers.
Is Google Pay Secure?
Google Pay does store credit cards and debit cards numbers as well as bank account information for US and UK users. The app can be used in literally millions of places including physical stores and online. Users do not need to add money to Google Pay, as the app simply charges the card or payment method when a transaction occurs.
Google Pay is more secure than carrying around a physical credit card plate that you could drop or leave behind at a store. There is no chance of losing the credit card or having it sniffed by an RFID reader or skimmer as you walk down the road. Enable biometric logins on the device in to keep your phone and Google Pay securely.
When you add a payment method to Google Pay it is also available through Google Pay on any device or web browser if you are signed into your Google Account. Note this is not the same as allowing Google Chrome to save payment methods and won’t affect allowing web browsers to check if you have payment methods saved. Google Pay payment methods – credit cards, debit cards and PayPal credentials are standalone. It’s a bit confusing for sure.
So in addition to adding biometric login credentials to your mobile device, you should also add a password or biometric logins to all devices where you use Google Pay. If you are logged into a web browser for a Google account and have Google Pay on your phone, then your Google Pay payment methods are also available on your laptop. This is a security concern. Keep all devices secure and protected with a password, fingerprint login, or facial recognition to be secure.
Users don’t need to add money to Google Pay, but it is possible to have a positive Google Pay balance. A user could have a positive balance if someone sent them money through the app. If there was a disputed a transaction, or if they received a credit through a Google product or service. Any money on a Google Pay balance can be transferred back to the user’s bank account. So, if you are not planning to shop anytime, soon, you could shift the money to your bank to keep it safe.
How Do I Set Up Google Pay?
To use the Google Pay app your phone must be running Android Lollipop (5.0) or higher.
- Visit pay.google.com to get started with Google Pay. Android users can download the app from Google Play. iOS users can download Google Pay from the App Store
- Download Google Pay.
- Create or sign in to your Google account
Add a payment method – follow these instructions if you need to add or edit a payment method. You can opt to make Google Pay the default payment app if your phone has other options
How to Use Google Pay in Stores
To use Google Pay in stores, check to see if your phone has Near Field Communication (NFC) in settings. Enable NFC. Make sure that the store or terminal accepts mobile payments.
To Pay in Stores or Buy a Transit Ticket
- Unlock your phone
- Hold the back of the device phone close to the payment terminal
- When directed, follow the instructions on the terminal’s screen
When you’re done paying, you’ll see a blue check mark on the screen. If prompted, follow the instructions on the screen. Some store payment terminals may prompt you to enter a debit card PIN. This is the PIN for the card, not the phone login PIN. Credit card transactions may still ask you to sign the receipt.
Google Pay – How to Pay in Apps and Online
- Add the products to the shopping cart on any e-commerce website or app
- Go through the checkout and click the Google Pay button
- Choose a payment method from your Google Pay options
- Enter your shipping address
- Confirm your order
Google Pay – How to Send Money
- Open the Google Pay app
- At the bottom, tap Send
- Find your contact and follow the instructions
