What is Google Pay & How Does it Work? (2024)

Google Pay is a payment method that enables the customer to pay for goods and services via their Android device.

An Android device could be anything from a smartphone to a wearable smartwatch - so you can see why it’s such an accessible and convenient way for customers to make payments.

No, they are both different entities altogether - Google Pay has now replaced what was known as Android Pay.

Essentially, what was Android Pay is now Google’s answer to Apple Pay and Samsung Pay - enabling consumers who use their branded devices to pay via this technology.

There are two key technologies that work in tandem to facilitate a Google Pay transaction.

First and foremost, this is a contactless payment - performed when the Android device is held within close proximity of acontactless card reader.

This then initiates NFC technology (Near Field Communication) which uses radio waves to engage the payee account with the merchant account. It might sound complicated, but it’s a straightforward action that takes seconds.

Provided you own an Android device, setting up Google Pay is a simple task.

First of all, you’ll need to set up the Google Pay app - and link your credit card or debit card (you might already have linked these to your Google account).
Depending on who you bank with, you may need to enter the security code on the back of your card and answer some security questions.

If you haven’t already linked a card, you can simply add as many cards as you want using the app - but you will need to choose a default card.

You can enter your details manually or even capture an image using your camera. Your card details will be captured - but they won’t be stored in the system and therefore at risk of falling into the wrong hands (more on that below).

The personal security features for Google Pay on Android devices include PIN, pattern, password, fingerprint, or retinae scanning screen locks.

Once you’ve set up Google Pay on your smartphone, you can then roll it out across any other Android devices you own.

If you have an Android smartwatch for instance, you can use the smartwatch version of the app to link to your phone and access your linked cards from there.

And there you have it. You’ll be fully Google Pay activated across multiple devices which means you won’t need to carry your wallet around!

On a smartphone with Google Pay fully set up, it’s usually a case of double-tapping your home button or swiping up to engage your ‘virtual’ wallet.

This presents your default card initially, but you can rearrange and use other cards to pay once you reach this stage. With the preferred card selected, you can now hold the device up to the card machine.

Wait for the beep - and you’re all done.

Google Pay and Google Wallet used to be separate entities - but have since combined to form the new overarching Google Pay for Android (also, Google Pay Send - which has a number of additional peer-to-peer features).

Essentially, this is a combination of the ‘virtual wallet’ capability (Google Wallet) comprising of digital card and bank account access, with the actual contactless payment function (Android Pay).

Again, this might sound confusing on paper - but actually it’s very simple. One can’t work without the other.

Google Pay can be used across any Android device with NFC technology.

However, this is software-dependent. For example, only smartphones running Android 4.4 KitKat and above can use Google Pay. The same applies for smartwatches running Wear 2.0.

So, if you’re considering downloading the app on your device - be sure to check that you have the most up-to-date software in order to do so.

There are a number of places where Google Pay can be used to purchase products and services.

In store purchases - this almost goes without saying, but most popular retailers up and down the country will have a payment processing provider in place than enables them to accept Google Pay via their in store card terminals.

In app purchases - exactly as the name suggests, Google Pay can be used to make purchases within an app if required.

Online purchases - many online retailers accept Google Pay nowadays. In conjunction with the Google Pay app, you’ll be able to speed through the checkout in no time.

As mentioned above, it’s very easy to get started as far as setting up Google Pay as a payment method for customers across your business.

There are a variety of payment processing providers that can provide you with a quote for services that include Google Pay.

Handepay are no different. In fact, all of ourcontactless card readersaccept Google Pay - and we can get you set up in no time, with no hidden fees to worry about.

Yes - provided the card terminals supplied across your business use the required NFC technology, you can accept Google Pay transactions using a card machine.

Remember though, mostcontactless paymentsare limited to £30 maximum.

With24% of the UK recorded as digital wallet users- you’d be crazy to ignore such a large number of people. Having the capability to accept payments made via Google Pay and other digital wallets opens up your business to this community - enabling you to increase sales and revenue.

Frankly, it’s a no-brainer!