Google Pay is a free mobile payment system from Google that allows people to make purchases using their NFC-enabled smartphones, both in person and via apps and websites.
Formerly called Google Wallet, it merged with Android Pay in January 2018 to form Google Pay.
Google Pay can be used to buy a wide range of items and services. You can use the tap-and-pay function wherever contactless payments are accepted – so, shops, restaurants, coffee shops, pubs, and the Transport for London network.
You can also use it on apps and websites that display the Google Pay logo – just choose Google Pay as your preferred payment method when you come to pay.
There’s no limit on the value of Google Pay transactions, and there are no fees to download the app or use it to make payments. However, many shops and businesses will limit the amount you can pay without entering a PIN or using fingerprint recognition to the contactless payment limit.
In the US, Google Pay can also be used to send money to and receive it from friends and family.
To use Google Pay, you’ll need to download the Google Pay app on to your device – for which you’ll need a Google account. Then all you have to do is add a payment method such as a credit card, a debit card, or a PayPal account, and you can start making purchases using the service.
Google Pay transactions are secured in several ways. These include that:
Google also keeps all your payment information on secure servers, meaning your full card or account details are never stored on your phone or shared with the businesses to which you make payments (that’s what the virtual account number is for).
If your phone is lost or stolen, you can also use Google Device Manager to instantly lock it from any location, secure it with a new password or wipe it clean of personal data.
Banks and card providers that support Google Pay include:
Barclays does not support Google Pay. It has launched its own payment app called Contactless Mobile.
Click here for a full list of Google Pay card providers in the UK.
Google Pay and Apple Pay are very similar offerings. Which one is right for you will largely depend on the type of smartphone or device you want to use to make payments.
|
Apple Pay |
Google Pay |
---|---|---|
Devices |
All iPhone models with face or touch ID (except the iPhone 5s). All iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, and iPad mini models with Touch ID or Face ID. Mac models with touch ID, as well as those introduced in 2012 or later with an Apple Pay-enabled iPhone or Apple Watch. |
Any Google device with NFC technology running Google 4.4 KitKat or above.. |
Wearable devices |
Apple Watch 1st Generation, Series 1, Series 2 or later. |
Any NFC-enabled smartwatch. |
Participating banks |
All of the major banks. |
Most major banks, but not Barclays.. |
Fingerprint authentication |
Yes |
Yes |
Contactless payments |
Wherever the contactless payment logo is displayed: up to £45. |
Wherever the contactless payment logo is displayed: up to £45 (or more with further verification). |
Transport for London |
Yes |
Yes |
In-app payments |
Wherever the Apple Pay logo is displayed. |
Wherever the Google Pay logo is displayed. |
Web payments |
Wherever the Apple Pay logo is displayed. |
Wherever the Google Pay logo is displayed. |
App |
Built-in Wallet app. |
Google Pay from Google’s Play Store. |
Account required |
Apple |
|
Can be disabled remotely |
Yes |
Yes |
For more information about making contactless transactions using credit and debit cards, take a look at our comprehensive guides to contactless payments and credit card security. MoneySuperMarket can also make it easy to find the right card to buy items and services both in person and online by allowing you to compare credit cards from a broad range of providers.
MoneySuperMarket is a credit broker not a lender. You must be 18 or over and a UK resident.