Google Pay allows speedy and contactless payments. It is the replacement of contemporary cash payments with online payments. But, before you sign in to this application, let’s find out, ‘is Google Pay safe?’

Google has developed many user-friendly tools and applications, one of them being the Google Pay app. Like Google Maps show directions, Google Meet arranges an online meeting, Gmail allows you to send online mails, similar is the Google Pay app. As the name suggests, Google Pay or G-Pay is an online payment app. It is a digital wallet. This payment system helps to purchase online. But can we rely on this app? Is Google Pay safe? What is a digital wallet? Is Google Pay safe from hackers? Is Google Pay safe for any type of money transaction?

The app got attention recently, but Google Pay was two separate apps, Google Wallets and Android Pay. In 2018, the functionalities of both apps merged into a single app, which we know as Google pay. Not only Google, but Apple also has ‘Apple Pay,’ and Samsung has ‘Samsung Pay.’ The user base of all three apps is increasing each passing year.

What is Google Pay

Google Pay is a digital wallet that carries out digital payments. It has many other functionalities like, it can store credit and debit cards, concert tickets, loyalty cards, boarding passes, and passes of different shows.

When you use Google Pay, you can order food, pay in restaurants, buy gas, do mobile recharges, and a lot more.

Google Pay allows you to send money to your friends and relatives or any other merchant if you have some money in your google wallet.

How does Google Pay Work

It works on tokenization. It is a technology that assigns a new virtual account number to your card with each money transaction you make. The actual credit card numbers are never shared with any merchant. The credit card details are not even stored on your device.

Every time you use Google Pay, the payment system generates a random string of letters and numbers, replacing your original credit card details like an expiration date of the card.

We use this token number during the transfer of money to the merchants. The same token number is never used again for any other monetary transaction. It is why people rely on Google Pay, and it solves our question ‘Is Google Pay safe?’ or not.

How to Use Google Pay

First, you have to download Google Pay on your phone, then add a card. To add a card, you can scan it using your phone’s camera or enter the details manually. Adding a card or a bank account is not a big deal because you have to fill in some information like IFSC code, Bank account numbers, card numbers, and so on.

Many offline shopping stores support Google Pay for contactless purchases. Whenever you go to any store or restaurant that accepts Google Pay, you will see the app’s logo (Google Pay Logo). Just hold your phone near the card reader. Many shops have a QR code scanner. You have to open Google Pay and scan the QR code reader, and the amount you need to pay will automatically generate on your phone.

Functionalities of Google Pay

In 2020, Google redesigned the Google Pay app and Google Pay logo, helping users to enjoy a wide variety of financial services. You can connect any bank account. Google Pay app has details of all your transactions. Be it certain small payments or small business transactions. Each payment info is in the app.

In 2021, Google came up with another benchmark, offering its checking and savings accounts. It allows users to use Google Pay without storing any bank account.

How is Google Pay safe

Can we conclude Google Pay is secure? Is Google Pay safe to use?

Back in time, the trend of swiping cards was very much in use. But, after Google Pay and other Digital wallets came, the method of swiping cards for payments decreased. Also, digital payments are more secure because while using Google Pay, it produces a virtual account number, which means your actual card number was never displayed during any purchases, avoiding suspicious behaviors. Your payment information gets stored in their secure servers. Your app will have each information whenever you transfer money or receive money.

Google Pay work on near-field communication (NFC). Rather than Wi-Fi for the transmission of information. To intercept the information, a person needs to stand within a few centimeters of the card reader. If someone steals your virtual account number, the credit and debit card companies could immediately invalidate the number and assign a new number to the token.

Other than technological advantages, one more aspect makes Google Pay secure. When you use Google Pay, it asks you the PIN or your fingerprints to open the screen lock of Google Pay.

Even after you enter the amount and click on Pay, it will again ask for the PIN. It is a two-step verification that helps secure payments without leaking payment information.

Is Google Pay safe from Hackers

Google Pay is a hack-proof way to pay. But there are still some predators out there who try to steal your money.

How do Hackers scam? How is Google Pay safe from scammers?

These hackers carry out ‘Payment transfer scams,’ where they post an advertisement for a product or service. When you click on the ad, the scammer may ask you to transfer money to them through Google Pay. They take your money without even providing your product.

Never transfer money to an unknown person. Do not involve yourself in unauthorized charges. Use Google Pay to a verified user. Google Pay recommends never indulging in practices where sensitive financial information is included. Google Pay provides every possible user security. We should also be aware of sending money to anyone. Google will never ask you to use or download any third-party app to support payment.

Who to Reach Out to During Security Issues

If you still face security threats, you can report to the FBI (Federal Trade Commission). You can report that to Google also, but Google Pay is not bound to refund your lost amount. In fact, you can contact your credit card company. The credit card companies will try to waive customer loss. Again, if you be aware, you will surely avoid any security issues. Mobile payment is a better way to pay, and there is no denying it.

Is Google Pay Safe to User’s Privacy

Consumers are having concerned about potential overreach by Google. Google says, ‘Those who use Google Pay should not worry about private security and identification threat.’ Google never connects any payment info like payment method or the payment amount to the Google Profile.

Other Benefits of Using Google Pay

This contactless payments app has a lot of other convenient features.

• It avoids the use of cash, which is safer for the environment.
• You no more have to be worried about forgetting to carry a wallet. The Google wallet is always there on your phone.
• You can instantly check your bank balance through Google Pay.
• It is a faster payment system.
• Google Pay is a safer option to use during any pandemic like Covid-19. It promotes cashless and contactless transactions.
• You can keep track of your most purchases, providing a good buying experience.

We hope this article solved your concerns about Google Pay. The conclusion of the question ‘Is Google Pay safe?’ is a ‘Yes!’ Google Pay is a revolution, and everyone should use it. Recommend your friends about it. And, do not forget to be an aware user!

Also read: How to Lock Apps on Android

Last Updated on December 27, 2022 by Laveleena Sharma