Google launched its Android Pay service in 2015 to compete with Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. However, in early 2018, Google united all of their payment systems under Google Pay, also known as “G Pay”, which includes the former app known as Android Pay. Contactless payment services, such as Google Pay, allow you to use your phone to make tap-and-go purchases at the checkout, both online and in-person.
How does Google Pay work?
Google Pay uses the NFC (Near Field Communication) chips that are found in many Android smartphones to allow cardholders to make payments directly from their phone. Instead of getting out your wallet and credit card, you simply unlock your phone and tap it on contactless terminals. If your card is connected to a loyalty program, any eligible purchases you make with Google Pay will automatically earn points for your rewards account.
Google Pay currently works with some contactless Mastercard, Visa and American Express credit and debit cards. You can also connect your Google Pay account to your PayPal account. Google is also looking to integrate Google Pay elsewhere, which could broaden the types of accounts you could potentially use with Google Pay.
How do I use Google Pay?
- Follow these steps to use Google Pay in-person at checkout:
- Find out if Google Pay is accepted by looking for the G Pay symbol or contactless payment symbol at a contactless payment terminal.
- Unlock your Android phone.
- Hover your phone over the terminal and wait until you see a checkmark.
- Follow these steps to use Google Pay online at checkout:
- At checkout on a supported website, search for the Google Pay purchase button. You can use Google Pay on any browser.
- Choose your payment method as Google Pay and enter your shipping address.
- Confirm your order and hit enter.
- Follow these steps to use Google Pay to make in-app purchases:
- Open the app you’re looking to make a purchase in and make sure it supports Google Pay.
- At checkout, search for the Google Pay button.
- Press the Google Pay button and Enter your shipping address before confirming your order.
Which banks support Google Pay in Canada?
You can access the full list of accepted credit and debit cards at Canadian banks and financial institutions here.
As of 1 March 2019, here are the banks and financial institutions in Canada that support Google Pay with some credit cards. It’s important to note that even if your bank is on this list, your specific credit card may not support Google Pay.
- American Express
- BMO
- Desjardins
- National Bank of Canada
- President’s Choice Financial
- ATB
- Canadian Tire Financial Services
- CIBC
- Scotiabank
- Tangerine
- UNI Financial Corporation
- Brim Financial>
- RBC Royal Bank>
- Servus Credit Union Ltd
- Peoples Trust Company>
If your bank is not on the list, it’s because they don’t currently support Google Pay. Some financial institutions restrict customers from using some – or all – cards to make mobile payments. You can contact your bank to find out more or provide feedback to your provider to notify them that you’re looking to use Google Pay as a payment method.
Which banks support Google Pay worldwide?
Google Pay continues to add participating partners all the time. Click here to access a list of supported payment methods at participating banks and financial institutions worldwide.
Is Google Pay safe to use?
- Google Pay uses an encrypted virtual account number to represent your account details. This means that your card details aren’t stored on your phone or on the Google Pay app.
- If your card is lost or stolen, you can use the Android Device Manager to instantly lock your phone from anywhere, secure it with a new password or wipe it clean of your personal information. These features prevent anyone from using your phone for contactless payments.
- If you do suspect any suspicious activity on your account, you can use the Google Pay app to track your transaction history. With the merchant’s name and number, you can monitor and flag suspicious activity.
You might also be interested in
- Contactless Payments – The pros and cons of tap and go
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