More people worldwide are using online payment apps for everyday purchases. People in the US are fond of Cash App and similar tools, and you may have something similar in your country.
Google understands the potential of e-Commerce, so it offers a private digital wallet you may not have considered. The Google Wallet app allows you to make contactless payments but has features you cannot find in other online wallets.
Before we talk about Google Wallet, we will differentiate it from Google Pay. After that, we will discuss what Google Wallet can do. More importantly, you will learn how to download and use it for contactless payments.
Google Wallet vs. Google Pay app
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You might not have heard of this digital wallet before you read this article. Believe it or not, Google Wallet has been around for decades!
It first came out in 2011, before Apple Pay’s launch in 2014. Nowadays, you are probably more familiar with Apple Pay than Wallet. How come the Android phone tool isn’t more popular?
Back then, it was difficult to find a store with a contactless payment terminal for Google Wallet. Depending on your Android phone, you may not be able to use its NFC (near-field communication) transfers.
There was a similar app that may have confused many users. Aside from the Wallet, you could download Google Pay. However, it had limited features like:
- Letting users tap and pay for shopping
- Using and redeeming loyalty cards, gift cards, and other promos
More importantly, Google Wallet will soon replace Google Pay. Tech firm spokesperson Chaiti Sen said that the company rolled out the Wallet to Android users in 39 countries.
That list did not include the United States. You might have noticed it on your Android device if you are from another country. In July 2022, it became a separate tool for the US and Singapore.
If you still have Google Pay, updating it will turn it into Google Wallet. You may also download it from the Google Play Store. However, US users should meet the following requirements:
- Your smartphone should have Android 5.2 or later. If you have a Google Smartwatch, you need Lollipop 5.0 or later.
- Also, you should have a Google account.
- You will need a valid US phone number.
Afterward, you should be able to add debit cards and others to your Wallet. If you have cards connected to the Play Store or YouTube, you should also load them into this payment system.
Features of the Google Wallet
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The global tech firm will replace Google Pay because Google Wallet has more features. Here is a list of what you can do with the Google Wallet app:
- Quick access – You can open the app via your phone’s quick settings. Alternatively, you may open the app from your home screen or Google Assistant if you are busy.
- Storing cards – Google Wallet is not just a payment method. It can save documents like vaccination cards, government IDs, payment cards, concert tickets, and airplane tickets.
- US-exclusive features – Users from the United States can store their driver’s licenses and digital car keys.
- Transaction records – This Android tool keeps track of payment info, such as their location.
- Seamless integration – You could sync your Google Wallet to the Assistant and Calendar for the latest updates. Moreover, it lets you view your loyalty card and transit card saved on Gmail.
- Top-tier security – Google Wallet keeps your data safe with features like Find My Phone, 2-Step Verification, and remote data deletion.
- Tap-to-pay – The tool uses a virtual account number instead of your real credit card details. It works with any payment reader with near-field communication (NFC), and your payment info stays safe.
- Data control – Your Google Wallet works with other Google services so that you can set notifications for each one.
Benefits of the Google Wallet
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These features can boost your shopping experience. As mentioned earlier, most people worldwide always bring their phones on their person.
Meanwhile, you typically bring your keys and wallet only when you go outside. As a result, you are more likely to forget them at home. If you have Google Wallet, you will still have them with you.
Contactless payments also make transactions faster because you just have to tap on the payment reader. You get your everyday essentials quicker, and lines and retail lines become shorter.
How to use Google Wallet
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You can head to the Play Store now to download this app. Afterward, you can follow these steps for each Google Wallet feature:
- Tap Add To Wallet on its home screen to add a new card or pass. You may also check your shopping sites for this option. Some will have the “Add to Google Wallet” or “Add to Google Pay” option.
- Also, you can reorganize your loyalty cards and similar stuff by tapping the Edit card order option.
- Then, you can tap to pay with your smartphone by turning on the NFC option. If you have a Google Smartwatch, hold it over the reader until it makes a sound or vibrates.
- Tap Credit for contactless payments via credit card.
- Alternatively, you may have to enter your PIN when you tap to pay via debit card.
Conclusion
You can tap-to-pay with your phone via the Google Wallet app. Perhaps you should consider downloading it for your phone or using similar tools.
You could set up the Wallet in a few steps. Aside from the tips above, you could check the Google Wallet Help website for more information.
It could boost your online shopping experience because it integrates with other Google services. Even better, you can get it for free!
Frequently asked questions
How do I get Google Wallet?
Visit the Play Store and download it from there. You will need a phone that has Android 5.2 or later. Alternatively, it could work with a Google Smartwatch with Lollipop 5.0 or later.
How safe is Google Wallet?
It uses multiple layers of security like two-factor authentication and the Find My Phone function. Also, you can remotely remove all your data in an emergency.
Are Google Wallet and the Google Pay app the same?
The Wallet has more features than the Pay. Soon, the latter will become phased out, so it is best to download the Wallet. The best part is that you can download this online payment tool for free!