How to use Google Pay: A step by step guide

Publish date: 2022-03-02

Table of contents

Previously known as Android Pay, Google Pay (or G Pay) lets you make purchases at physical stores using nothing but your smartphone. The app also makes it simple to shop online or send money to friends and family. It’s also possible to include loyalty cards, gift cards, and public transit cards. You can even earn rewards for shopping through certain retailers. The payment method has become more of a financial hub, featuring many tools to organize your cards and money.

In terms of payments, it is supported by loads of merchants in the U.S., including CVS, Best Buy, Subway, and many others. You can use it in just about any store with a contactless payment terminal. Google Pay also works with several online businesses like Airbnb, HotelTonight, and Wish.

1. Requirements

Robert Triggs / Android Authority

First things first: every service has some limitations. Here they are.

Consider these: The best phones with NFC

2. What banks (and countries) are supported?

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Google Pay supports more than 1,000 banks in the U.S., including the big players like Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, and tons of smaller ones. We won’t mention them all in this post, but you can head to Google’s support page to see the entire list.

In addition to the U.S., you can use Google Pay in many other countries. New territories are added all the time, so check the most recent list of supported banks for each region here.

3. How to set up Google Pay

The process is a breeze. Follow the steps below to get started.

  • Open the Google Play Store and download Google Pay.
  • Open the Google Pay app.
  • Select your country of residence and hit Continue.
  • Select the Google account you want to use and hit Continue.
  • Enter your phone number and tap on Next.
  • You’ll get a text with a code. Enter it and wait for the app to verify your identity.
  • You’ll be asked to select some privacy-related preferences. Follow instructions.
  • You’re in!

    • 4. How to add a debit or credit card

    Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

    Adding a debit or credit card is the easiest way to get started with payments through Google Pay, whether using the service online or physically in a store. Get your account ready for payments before you go out there to show off your contactless payment abilities!

  • Open the Google Pay app.
  • Tap on the Insights tab on the bottom-right corner of the screen.
  • Select Show all accounts.
  • Tap on Add account.
  • Hit To use as payment method.
  • Follow instructions to add your card.

    • 5. How to add loyalty, gift, or transit cards

    Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

  • Open the Google Pay app.
  • Under the Home tab, tap on the Pay contactless option.
  • Tap on Add a card.
  • Select either Loyalty, Gift card, or Transit.
  • Follow instructions to finish adding your card of choice.

    • 6. How to add your bank account

    Aside from paying directly through debit or credit cards, you can also use a bank account to add money to your Google Pay account. This is convenient if you want to have more control over what you spend. The only downside is that the process takes a bit longer. Bank transfers, while free, can take up to five business days to go through.

  • Open the Google Pay app.
  • Tap on the Insights tab on the bottom-right corner of the screen.
  • Select Show all accounts.
  • Tap where it says Money in Google Pay.
  • You may need to complete your identity verification. Do so if prompted.
  • Hit Add money.
  • Select how much you want to add.
  • Tap Next.
  • Select Show payment options.
  • Tap on Add bank account.
  • You’ll have to sign in to your bank account using Plaid. Follow instructions to finish the process.

    • 7. How to use Google Pay contactless payments

    Once you’re set up and ready to go, paying with your phone in-store is super simple.

  • Unlock your phone and make sure NFC is turned on.
  • Hold the back of your device close to the payment terminal for a few seconds.
  • Wait until the payment is completed — a blue checkmark will appear on your screen when it is.
  • If required, enter your PIN code or sign the receipt.

    • You can also use Google Pay in apps like Uber and Airbnb or online shopping. If the merchant accepts this payments method, tap the Google Pay purchase button at checkout to use it.

    8. How to pay friends

    Google Pay isn’t only about paying at POS terminals. You can also use it as a simple way to send money to friends and family. It’s a convenient way to split the food bill or repay a loan.

  • Open the Google Pay app.
  • Under the Home tab, go into Send or request.
  • Select the contact you want to send money to. Alternatively, you can create a group or select the option that reads Split with friends.
  • Select Pay.
  • Add the amount.
  • Select your payment method and finish the transaction.

    • 9. Get some rewards for shopping!

    Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

    You want to take advantage of all the sweet deals Google Pay offers, right? Luckily, the Search Giant has partnered with plenty of retailers. And some of these deals are very generous!

  • Open the Google Pay app.
  • Go into the Explore tab on the bottom-left corner of the screen.
  • Scroll down and take a look at all available offers.
  • Select the one you want to take advantage of and follow the redemption steps.

    • Next: Apps that can help you make money

    10. Google Pay vs. the competition

    Samsung Pay and Apple Pay are Google Pay’s biggest rivals. Apple Pay is more common and widely used; it also works great. However, its availability on only Apple devices limits its reach. The same applies to Samsung Pay, which is exclusive to Samsung devices. The good thing about Google Pay is that it works with pretty any modern Android device. Otherwise, all main payment systems should work similarly. They all accept major banks and credit cards, and will work on any contactless payment POS.

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