In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, how we pay is no exception. In this review, we’ll take a look at what Google Pay is and where and how to use it.
Nowadays, using Google Pay is not only one of the quickest ways to pay – it’s also one of the most secure.
Also, keep in mind that this app is interchangeable with Apple Pay. They are very similar; the obvious difference being that one is on Android and the other is on iOS.
Who Accepts Google Pay?
Google Pay is accepted at millions of stores. Google has a list of retailers that accept it.
Most of these are larger chains, though. It’s likely not every store will be on this list – especially smaller chains and independent stores. But some of these stores have Google Pay as well.
If you see the Google Pay logo on a card reader, that’s how you can tell it’s accepted.
There was a time when some retailers only accepted Apple Pay, but that is increasingly a thing of the past.
How to Use Google Pay
No More Google Wallet
In the past, if you wanted to send money through Google, you had to use a separate app (Google Wallet).
That changed in 2018. Now, you can send money directly through Google Pay. Simply open the app and tap Send at the bottom of your screen:
If you add your bank account, you’ll be able to send money fee-free.
Security Features
Is this app secure? Yes. In fact, it’s one of the most secure payment methods available today.
There are a couple of reasons for this. According to Google, they have one of the most advanced security infrastructures in the world.
In addition to having advanced security features, the way Google Pay works makes it more secure by design. That’s because the app never shares you card number.
When you “wave” your phone, the card reader communicates with the device. Then, the transactions takes place within the app, so the retailer doesn’t need your information.
Other Benefits
Not sharing your card number is easily the biggest benefit in my mind, but there are a few others as well. That may vary by app, but with the Google Pay app, for example, you can also add loyalty cards.
One that comes to mind is Walgreens. When you link it to the app, you’ll earn loyalty points when you pay.
Google Pay Drawbacks
There are not too many drawbacks to the app.
The biggest drawback is probably that it still isn’t supported everywhere. Most retailers do accept it now, but compare that to cash. There isn’t a place where cash isn’t accepted.
On the other hand, there are still some places that don’t accept Google Pay.
Similarly, there are credit cards that aren’t supported. Google has a list of supported banks, but that doesn’t tell the whole story.
For example, most Chase cards are supported, but I have one that isn’t supported (IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card). I couldn’t find a list of every card, so you will have to find out for yourself whether your card is supported.
Google Pay Review: Summary
Google Pay makes life much easier. Payments through the app are quicker, easier, and more secure.
When you pay with an app, you don’t have to deal with the hassle of loose coins. Initially, the adoption of digital payments was slow, but most stores now accept it.
Plus, you can now pay people directly through the app. If you owe your friend 20 bucks for a concert ticket, it’s really easy to just do that right in the Google Pay app.
If you need to pay off your credit card balance after paying with Google Pay, you’ll need your routing number. Here’s how routing numbers work.
Finally, the app is more secure. Since it never shares your card number, there is no risk of your information being “sniffed.”
Overall, Google Pay is great. I would highly recommend anyone who is paying with cash or a plastic credit card switch to digital payments. You won’t regret it!
Related:
- Google Fi Review: A Digital Nomad’s Dream
- How to Get Cheap Flights to Anywhere
- Ask Trim Review 2020: Save Money Easily and Automatically
Google Pay Summary
Pros
- More secure than using a credit card
- Ability to add multiple credit cards
- Ability to send payments from within the app
Cons
- Not all credit cards supported (but most are)
- Not all retailers supported (but most are)
Hey there. My name is Bob Haegele and I'm an expert at frugal living and saving money. I’m also an EV enthusiast and have recently become mostly-vegetarian. Another thing I started doing recently? Dog walking. I’m working toward financial independence making money via my own ventures. Interested in starting a blog of your own? Check out my post on starting a blog.
Nice post! Do most CC cashback programs work via services like this or is it only one-off offers?
Hey Nick, thanks for the positive feedback. And yes, you get your rewards points all year round. When you add your card to Google Pay (and, again, I assume Apple Pay as well), it works exactly like it would if you were paying with your good old plastic card. You get exactly the same benefits. Hope that helps.
By the way, since you commented, I am subscribing to your blog right now!