If you’re living in the United States, Google Pay may seem like just another mobile payment app among many, and you may wonder why it’s worth adding to your smartphone at all. There are plenty of other great payment apps out there – Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Walmart Pay and Amazon Go just to name a few – so what makes Google Pay different? As it turns out, the answer may surprise you. It has everything to do with the fact that Google Pay is actually three separate apps bundled together into one convenient package. Google Pay: The Best Secret You Need to Know
What is Google Pay?
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It’s actually known as Android Pay, but that has changed since it was first released. Initially, it was a digital wallet app for mobile devices that made it easier for you to use your debit or credit card for online purchases. It also allowed you to make purchases from brick-and-mortar stores by using a sticker on your smartphone screen, much like Apple Pay. But since then, Google has continued to improve and add features and functionality. Today, Google Pay is a platform that allows developers of all sorts—from ecommerce companies like Etsy (ETSY) and major retailers such as Walmart (WMT)—to incorporate payment processing directly into their apps and websites.
Register your credit/debit card with Google pay
Registering a debit or credit card with Google pay means that you can make purchases on your phone with a single touch. While other forms of mobile payments require you to select an application, enter your information and wait for confirmation, Google pay simplifies transactions by allowing users to scan their fingerprint in order to make a purchase. Aside from being fast and convenient, Google pay is also secure; every transaction is completed through EMV/NFC technology so there’s no fear of fraudulent activity. Once you’ve registered your card with Google pay, you can literally buy anything at any place—and it feels like magic!
Make payments with NFC (Near Field Communication)
NFC is a wireless technology that’s used for contactless transactions. Instead of using your credit card or debit card, you can use your smartphone or other smart device to make payments of up to $24 without swiping your card. For transactions over $24, you’ll be prompted to enter in a PIN and complete payment using Google Wallet (the digital payment service linked with NFC). Keep in mind that not all retailers have NFC readers yet and older terminals may not support it — but new terminals are rolling out every day. To get started with Google Pay, tap here .
Track your expenses within the app
Now that you can use Google Pay for everything from your morning coffee run to weekly grocery shopping, it’s easy to lose track of what you’re spending. If you have a significant other or roommate who helps with your budget, make sure they know about Google Pay so they can help set limits and act as a reminder if you overspend. Remember: Keeping a close eye on where your money is going is one of the best ways to save more. It takes some time (and dedication), but once you set up automatic reminders, alerts, and updates in your life, it’ll be hard not to watch how much money goes out compared with how much comes back in.
How secure is it?
Google Pay may be used to make payments in stores, within apps, and online. It can be used with any major credit or debit card issued by American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa. For Android users using Google Chrome on a desktop computer, there’s also integration with PayPal. Finally, it works at any merchant where contactless payment is available. Just look for one of these icons
Is there a limit on transactions?
Just like with most card processors, there is a limit on transactions. Google limits transactions by merchant category code (MCC). Generally, you’ll be limited to 30 or fewer sales per day; however, that may vary based on your account history. Transactions are unlimited in some cases. If you feel you need more than 30 daily transactions, reach out to your Google representative for more information about Google Pay.