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Google Pay is a new, faster, and safer payment method via Google, integrated into smartphones. Major smartphone manufacturers like Apple and Samsung have developed their own smart payment apps, namely Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, respectively. Google's partner in this venture is Google Pay.
The tech behemoth entered the fray quite early, back in September 2015. However, it wasn't until October 2017 that the system was rebranded as Google Pay. Before delving into how to use Google Pay, Mytour will introduce you to some basic concepts of 'contactless payment.'
Understanding Contactless Payment: What Is It and How Does It Work?
In essence, contactless payment is akin to paying with credit cards, debit cards, smart cards, and other devices including smartphones, utilizing wireless connectivity technologies like Near Field Communication (NFC). This payment method allows customers to pay by tapping their card or smartphone on the payment device.
Due to its non-requirement of verification, contactless payment is faster than traditional credit card payments. Some popular credit cards offer quick payments, but none match the speed of electronic wallets (e-Wallets) like Suica in Japan.
However, e-Wallets cannot withdraw money from banks or credit card accounts. That's why e-Wallets are considered less secure, especially in cases of theft, where thieves can easily use your e-Wallet until it's empty. Smartphones are secure and require verification for each transaction.
Setting Up and Using Google Pay (Also Known as Android Pay)
The process of setting up and using Google Pay is quite straightforward. However, before delving into the steps of setting up and using the app, you need to note that Google Pay is limited to specific countries. So, first and foremost, ensure that the country you reside in supports Google Pay.
The list of countries where Google Pay is available includes: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and the United States.
As for device compatibility, your smartphone must run Android 4.4 KitKat or higher and must support NFC. To check the Android version you're using, open the Settings app, then find and tap on About phone. Here, you can find relevant information about your device's software.
To determine if your device supports NFC, go back to the Settings window, find and tap on the Connectivity tab. If you see an NFC toggle switch, it means your device supports NFC.
After checking the necessary information, the next step is to access the Play Store, search for Google Pay, download it to your phone, and install it.
Download Google Pay to your phone and install it here:
- Download Google Pay for Android
- Download Google Pay for iPhone
The first time you open the app, you'll be prompted to sync your credit or debit cards, or your PayPal account. Choose any option you prefer, then press Continue.
If you're using a card, you can manually enter the information or automatically input it by tapping the front of the card on the device screen and taking a picture, then press Continue.
For further verification, Google will request to send you a verification code via text message or email. At this point, consider your task complete.
Additionally, Google Pay is integrated with maps, assisting users in finding nearby locations.
To make a payment, simply tap the back of your device (or the top portion, depending on the device's NFC module location) onto the payment device, and Google Pay will automatically process the payment. However, you'll need to enter your password first. The payment process will be completed in just a few seconds, without requiring users to provide any additional information.
This article from Mytour has just guided you on how to set up and use Google Pay for automated payments. Additionally, you can explore more about the Best E-Wallets in Vietnam, such as VTC Pay, Bankplus, ZaloPay, to find a suitable e-wallet for yourself.
