Here's what you should know about Google's big bet to take on Apple Pay.
Gone are the days of messing with Android Pay and Google Wallet. Instead, the home of all things mobile payments on Android now rests on the shoulders of Google Pay.
Google Pay first started rolling out to handsets in early 2018, and while there's still some work to be done, it's clear that Google is finally ready to take on Apple Pay with everything it's got.
From the latest news to all the important details, here's everything you should know about Google Pay!
Pay with your phone
Google Pay
Mobile payments made easy
From paying for anything you need to buy, to splitting the bill at dinner, Google Pay makes mobile payments easier than ever.
All the big details
Google Pay has replaced Android Pay and Google Wallet
Rather than maintaining two separate services for in-store payments and sending money to friends, Google decided to replace Android Pay and Google Wallet with one new app called Google Pay.
There was an awkward transition period at first in which you had to use a separate Google Pay Send app to send/receive money, but Google's since brought that feature over to the main Google Pay app. With this update, you can even use one of the best smartwatches to pay, instead of pulling out your phone.
As such, Google Pay is now your one-stop-shop for all things mobile payments if you've got an Android phone.
Google Pay gets a huge overhaul with new design and cashback rewards
An all-new early access app page has gone live for the updated version of the Google Pay app. The app has been redesigned from the ground up, matching the experience that was previously provided via Google Pay (Tez) in India. The key here is that you are presented with your friends and family, front and center.
The updated app also makes it easier to view which businesses will accept Google Pay while you're out and about. Meanwhile, if you come across a restaurant or gas station that is compatible, then you can do so right from the app.
As of late, we have seen a slew of new icon updates for an array of applications and services. Pay seems to be the latest, keeping the old "Google Pay" text, but featuring an all-new icon.
Google's 'Plex' bank account is coming soon
After introducing its redesigned Google Pay app, the company also took the wraps off of its new Plex bank account. This provides full integration with Google Pay and the mobile app. You'll be able to do everything you would expect from a mobile banking app, but it will also seamlessly tie into Google Pay.
Plex will be launching in 2021, but if you download the new Google Pay app, you can sign up for the waitlist. Here are the financial institutions that are partnering with Google, with Citi and Stanford FCU being the first partners when Plex launches:
- Citi Bank
- Stanford Federal Credit Union
- SEFCU
- BankMobile
- BBVA
- Seattle Bank
- BMO
- Green Dot
- The Harbor Bank of Maryland
- First Independence Bank
- Coastal Community Bank
How to get started with Google Pay
That's all fine and dandy, but how does one actually start using Google Pay?
Thankfully, Google's made this fairly simple. After downloading the app, you'll be able to quickly add credit/debit cards, gift cards, loyalty programs, and more. Worried about compatibility with the best Android phones? Have no fear, as Google Pay can be used with just about any Android phone on the market today.
Need a helping hand? Check out our how-to guide right here!
What countries are supported?
Google's regularly adding support for more and more countries that can use Google Pay, and as it currently stands, the list of supported areas is as follows:
- Austria
- Australia
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- India
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
Make sure your bank/card is compatible, too
Live in a country that supports Google Pay? Awesome! However, that's just half the battle in ensuring you can use the service.
Even if you live in one of the above countries, you still need to have a bank and card that supports Google Pay before you can start making payments in stores with your phone. Thankfully, Google's been building up this list for quite a few years meaning there's a good chance you're covered.
Major brands like AMEX, Capital One, Chase, Discover, and Wells Fargo are all on-board with Google Pay in the U.S. Along with this, you'll also find a huge list of smaller banks/credit unions that are supported as well.
You can use the app to store boarding passes, event tickets, and more
In addition to your credit/debit cards, you can also use Google Pay to store gift cards, loyalty programs, and most recently, boarding passes and event tickets.
You'll find all of these items in the Passes section of the app, and if you've got a lot stored in there, you can hold down on an item and move it around to make sure everything's as organized as can be.
Support for passes/tickets is still relatively new, with brands like Southwest Airlines, Ticketmaster, and the Las Vegas Monorail being among the only ones available at the moment. Similar to what iPhone users have been treated to for years with Apple Pay, you'll now see an "Add to G Pay" button when ordering a ticket from these brands so you can easily store everything under one single app.
Track your payment activity on the web
While you'll likely interact with Google Pay on your phone the majority of the time, you can access it from your computer, too, by going to pay.google.com.
Here, you can see all of your Google Pay activity, send or request money, edit/add/remove payment methods, manage any active subscription services you have, edit your addresses, and more.
Google Pay is present in Android Messages and the Google Assistant
Google occasionally fails to make its various services play nicely with one another, but thankfully, Google Pay has been an exception to that rule.
While sending money to people is pretty simple through the Google Pay app, you can also do this through Android Messages and by talking to the Google Assistant on your phone.
In Android Messages, just tap the + icon at the bottom left and you'll see two G Pay buttons for sending or requesting money from the person in your conversation. Just enter the amount you want, tap attach money, and your payment/request will be sent off just like that.
Alternatively, you can simply open the Google Assistant and say something along the lines of "Send Tom $15 for Pizza." After confirming your identity (e.g. fingerprint or PIN), the Google Assistant will send the money for you — all without having to ever open up the Google Pay app.
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