Google Pay is a digital wallet and payment platform from Google. It enables users to pay for transactions with Android devices in-store and on supported websites, mobile apps and Google services, like the Google Play Store.
Users link credit or debit cards to their Google Pay account, which is used for making the transactions for in-store or online purchases. On Android devices, Google Pay uses near field communication (NFC) to interact with payment terminals. When signed in to one’s Google account in the Chrome browser, users can conduct transitions with Google Pay on sites that support the service.
History of Google Pay
Google Wallet was the company’s first mobile payment system, developed for Android devices in 2011. In 2015, it was renamed Android Pay, with Google Wallet refocused to strictly peer-to-peer (P2P) payments.
In 2018, Google announced that Google Wallet would join the other payment offerings under the Google Pay branding. Google Wallet was then renamed Google Pay Send.
Google Pay is available for contactless payments on Android devices. The peer-to-peer functions and account access are available on iOS. However, when using an iPhone or Apple Watch for NFC payments, only Apple Pay is eligible for this use case.
Using Google Pay
The Google Pay service works with hundreds of banks and payment providers. Specifically, cards from Visa, MasterCard, Discovery and American Express are called out for support. Users should check with their individual bank if they are unsure about its compatibility with Google Pay. Additionally, the Google Pay user website maintains a list of supported banks by country.
There is also a Google support site list of featured stores and transit agencies that support Google Pay. Users should look for the Google Pay symbol or contactless payment symbol on a terminal. To pay, users must have the Google Pay app installed on their device and have linked a card to their account.
After using Google Pay, the list of previous transactions are saved to one’s Google account for later retrieval and record keeping.
Security of Google Pay
Google Pay generates a unique, encrypted number instead of your actual credit card number when registering the transaction. Additionally, this virtual account number is removed if screen lock is disabled on the user’s device.
If a device is lost, Google’s Find My Device service can be used to remotely wipe sensitive information, if necessary. Users can also sign into their Google Pay account from another device and remove any cards or bank accounts they have attached.
Google Pay Send
Google Pay Send is the peer-to-peer payment function of Google Pay. Individuals can use the service to send money to friends or other contacts by inputting their email address or phone number into the application.
Whoever receives the money must link the phone number or email address to a bank account. Or if they have an existing Google Pay account, funds will post directly to that account. Payments can be sent without fees through the app for Android, iOS or through one’s Google Pay account on the web.
This was last updated in September 2019
Continue Reading About Google Pay (Android Pay)
Related Terms
- file synchronization (file sync)
- File synchronization (file sync) is a method of keeping files that are stored in several different physical locations up to date. Seecompletedefinition
- privacy policy
- A privacy policy is a legal document that explains how an organization handles any customer, client or employee information ... Seecompletedefinition
- Telnet
- Telnet is a network protocol used to virtually access a computer and provide a two-way, collaborative and text-based ... Seecompletedefinition
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of digital wallets and payment platforms, particularly Google Pay, let me provide you with comprehensive insights into the concepts mentioned in the article.
Google Pay Overview: Google Pay is a digital wallet and payment platform developed by Google. It facilitates transactions using Android devices in various contexts, including in-store, supported websites, mobile apps, and Google services such as the Play Store. Users link their credit or debit cards to their Google Pay account, enabling them to make both in-store and online purchases.
Key Concepts:
-
Near Field Communication (NFC):
- Google Pay on Android devices utilizes NFC technology to interact with payment terminals. NFC allows for secure and contactless communication between the device and the terminal, facilitating quick and convenient transactions.
-
History of Google Pay:
- Originally launched as Google Wallet in 2011, it later transitioned to Android Pay in 2015, focusing on peer-to-peer payments. In 2018, Google unified its payment offerings under the Google Pay branding, rebranding Google Wallet as Google Pay Send.
-
Compatibility and Supported Providers:
- Google Pay supports cards from major providers, including Visa, MasterCard, Discovery, and American Express. Users are encouraged to check with their individual banks for compatibility. Google maintains a list of supported banks by country on its user website.
-
Security Measures:
- Google Pay prioritizes security by generating a unique, encrypted number for transactions instead of using the actual credit card number. Additionally, sensitive information is removed if the device's screen lock is disabled. In case of a lost device, Google's Find My Device service allows users to remotely wipe sensitive information.
-
Google Pay Send (Peer-to-Peer Payments):
- Google Pay Send is the peer-to-peer payment functionality within Google Pay. Users can send money to friends or contacts by entering their email address or phone number. Recipients must link the provided information to a bank account or use an existing Google Pay account to receive funds.
-
Payment without Fees and Transaction Record-Keeping:
- Payments through Google Pay can be conducted without fees for both Android and iOS users. The app saves a list of previous transactions to the user's Google account, offering a convenient way to track and retrieve transaction history.
-
Google Pay on iOS and Android Devices:
- While Google Pay is available for contactless payments on Android devices, its peer-to-peer functions and account access are also available on iOS. However, when using an iPhone or Apple Watch for NFC payments, Apple Pay is the eligible option.
By covering these concepts, users can gain a comprehensive understanding of the features, history, security measures, and functionality of Google Pay.
