Add cards, send money: How to use Google Pay for your next contactless purchase
Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay – every day consumers move away from traditional plastic in favor of contactless payment methods.
Google redesigned its Google Pay app in 2020, announcing a Venmo-adjacent setup where users can pay friends and businesses. The new app design also allows for messages and splitting costs with other Google Pay users.
Thinking of downloading the app and switching your payment methods over to Google Pay? Here’s your step-by-step guide to setting up and using it in stores.
How to use Google Pay
Make sure your phone is compatible with near-field communication, or that the NFC setting is enabled in settings. The contactless Google Pay feature is only available on Android 7.0 and higher, though the app can be downloaded on Apple devices.
To use Google Pay, simply unlock your phone and hold the back of your phone near the payment reader until a blue checkmark appears on the screen. If you want to use a different card than your default setting, open the app and select “Tap to pay." You'll be able to swipe through your available cards and select one to tap.
You may be asked to enter a PIN or submit a signature, depending on the store you’re in, Google says.
How to set up Google Pay
To set up Google Pay, first download and open the app. You’ll need to connect the app to your Google account and accept the Terms of Service. Once you’re signed in and in the app, enter and verify your phone number, review privacy and rewards preferences and set up a lock screen for your device.
Follow these instructions to add a payment method to the app:
Open the Google Pay app
Tap the Insights symbol ($ in a circle) on the bottom right
Tap “Show all accounts”
Select “Add account”
Choose “To use as payment method”
Use your camera to capture your card or enter the information manually (make sure your bank or card supports Google Pay)
Review and accept the terms and conditions
What is Google Pay?
Google Pay is a digital wallet app that allows users to make contactless payments, make online payments and send money to friends. According to CNET, Google merged its former Google Wallet and Android Pay in 2018 to create Google Pay, a service primarily for Android users to make contactless and peer-to-peer payments.
How to contact Google Pay customer service
Google Pay’s customer service number is 1-888-986-7944, or you can use their live chat service for assistance.
Pay with your iPhone: Your guide to setting up and using Apple Pay
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to use Google Pay: Step-by-step guide to contactless payments
