Using your smartphone to pay for transactions in stores makes lots of sense, after all, most people have their phone with them at all times – even more so than their wallet. Apps such as Google Pay make it possible to pay for goods and services using just your phone.
What is Google Pay?
Google Pay is a method of payment that allows you to pay for transactions using your smartphone’s contactless capabilities. The money will come straight out of a credit card that you have previously uploaded to the app. You can add all of your credit and debit cards to the app which allows you to make payments wirelessly in shops or via the app online.
Why is this useful? Well, it means that you don’t have to worry about carrying around a wallet as well as your phone. You have one device that has so many capabilities. What’s more, it adds a layer of security too since you need to unlock your phone to use it, unlike a contactless credit card which can be skimmed using a device placed close to your wallet.
How do I set up Google Pay?
Firstly, you need to download the app onto your phone. When you have downloaded the app, you need to upload your credit cards. There are 2 ways of uploading your credit cards. You can either scan your card details using your phone’s camera or enter the details manually. You will also need your card’s 3-digit security code found on the reverse of your card (this is often known as the CVV number). Google Pay will verify your card either by sending you a text message or an email. You will then need to enter the code into the Google Pay app.
With Google Pay, you also have the option of paying with your Google Play balance or paying by PayPal. You can set up a default payment method so that you don’t have to choose where your money comes from each time you use Google Pay.
Is Google Pay Secure?
Using Google Pay is even more secure than carrying a credit card around in your wallet. Google keeps all of your payment information securely on its servers. Your credit card numbers are never kept on your phone nor are they shared with merchants when using Google Pay in transactions. Instead, you have a Virtual Account Number which is shared with merchants.
When you use Google Pay for a transaction, you will see a confirmation appear in the app. The notification shows you the name of the merchant, where the transaction took place, and the amount paid or refunded. The app also shows you your payment history.
If you’re worried about what happens if you lose your phone, you can use Android Device Manager to lock your phone remotely or carry out a remote factory reset, which will mean that Google Pay won’t work.
How do you use Google Pay?
It is possible to use Google Pay in most restaurants, stores and online retailers. Wherever you can pay contactless, you can also use Google Pay. When you want to pay by Google Pay, you simply unlock your phone and hold the back of it close to the credit card terminal. The position on the terminal might vary from store to store but the cashier should help you if you can’t find it.
When your smartphone is placed in the correct position, it will communicate wirelessly with the machine and make a secure payment. You will see some animations on the screen of your phone, the final one being a blue tick. When you see the blue tick, your transaction is complete.
Which Banks Support Google Pay?
There are currently two major banks that support the use of Google Pay, these are ANZ and Bank of New Zealand. Most credit and debit cards from these banks are supported. ANZ Business and Commercial credit cards are not supported by Google Pay. BNZ’s Mastercards and First Visa are not supported either. For an entire list of supported cards, see here.
What’s great about Google Pay is that you can add loyalty cards, gift cards, Visa Checkout and PayPal. This is great because it means you don’t need to go searching through your wallet for all of your loyalty cards. Also, you no longer have to worry about losing a gift card because you can add them straight to your Google Pay app.
Where can you use Google Pay?
Nowadays, most stores and high street retailers accept contactless payments. Whenever you see the contactless payment logo, you can pay with Google Pay. It is also possible to make online purchases using Google Pay. This is possible in apps and on web browsers wherever you see the Google Pay button or you can select Google Pay as a payment method. Once at the checkout, choose the Google Pay button. You could be asked to select a payment method (your default card, for example) then you will complete your order as normal.
Our Verdict
After looking into the Google Pay set up process and how easy it is to use, we believe Google Pay is an excellent way of paying for things. You no longer have to carry around a large, heavy wallet full of cards as your phone does everything for you. There are so many possibilities with Google Pay, it is exciting to think about what Google will come up with next. We certainly recommend Google Pay because not only is it quick and secure but it is kinda cool paying for things with your phone.
Considering getting a credit card?
The best credit card for you would depend on your personal circumstance and how you intend to use your credit card. We have put together a list of some of the best credit cards in New Zealand to help you find the best credit card in NZ to suit your individual needs. Alternatively, you can narrow down your search by credit card type such as interest free credit card, low rate credit card, balance transfer, credit card reward or air nz credit card
