Google Pay is one of the leading payment apps across the world, including the USA. And you can use it to pretty much anything, depending on where you are from. For instance, you could pay for your next Netflix subscription. Or your next phone bill. Or to make that payment to your favorite business.
Doesn’t that sound exciting? To be able to pay countless merchants across the web and physical stores.
And it’s easy to send green paper to anyone too, from friends to family.
So, how to use Google Pay?
In this blog, we will learn to set up and make the most of the search engine’s online payment app, and how to make credit card payments. So, let’s start with the mobile app and how to use it.
Your Guide to Setting Up Google Pay for your Favorite Android Device
Now, you don’t need to get this app from any store here – you will find it right on your screen!
In case your phone is missing the app, just head over to the Google Play store. There, you can search for and download the app.
Steps to Set Up Google Pay
So, how do you make those green paper transfers? Here is how:
- First, you need to sign in – you can’t proceed without that
- Then, you will need to verify your number – get ready for a text to come to your phone
- Once that is done, you just need to wait till you can tap “Done”
Next, you will be prompted to select your privacy preferences. Tap on “Next” to proceed to the following screen.
Now, do you want other people to find you? Not everyone does. I mean, I like my privacy if you will. If you do want other people to send you money easily, and even identify you, it’s easy to activate this feature.
And voila – they can use your details to connect and send money.
Don’t want any more of it? Just go to privacy settings and stop your details from being shared.
Did you know that you can also select if you want to earn cash back and rewards?
And you can also go for personalized services. To be able to do that, Google will store your transaction history and use the data to tailor its services.
And you can pay for all the other things you want too – right on the home screen. After all, the Google Pay app isn’t just to pay others.
Adding in Your Favorite Payment Method
The next step is to add your Google account that you’ve in the app. Did you save your card details somewhere else? Sounds good, just import it! Or, include your bank details.
Want to be tech-savvy? Just click a picture of your card to register your bank account automatically. To do all this, you need to tap “+ payment method.”
Getting Started with Google Pay on iPhone
The app looks somewhat the same, even though you have a different ecosystem. Just repeat what you did above, mainly:
So, you need to:
- Get your Google account username and password to log in
- Verify your details and log in!
- And then decide on that privacy – do you want contacts to see you?
- Don’t forget to tell Google whether you want to personalize its services
- And don’t forget to add your payment method – it just makes things quicker.
Want to Set up Google Pay on the Web?
Who says iPhone and Android are the only choices? You can access Google Pay on the web to make online payments too. Here is how you can get started.
- You need to visit the website first – you can’t really go on an app here, you know.
- If you’ve already told the search giant your username and ID, you may not even have to log in. Else, do sign in.
- Then, just look to enter your card details manually. Click on the “Add” button and you’re good to go.
- Don’t forget to tell Google how you want to be billed. Once you do that, click on “Done.”
The Big Question – How to Use Google Pay on Android?
We hate to break it to you but it’s probably the default payment app on your device. Unless you’ve Samsung maybe. If so, just go to Apps and Notifications in your device settings and access your “Default apps” list.
Then, select Google Pay – that’s all that you need to do!
Using the App in a Physical Store?
It’s really easy.
First, just enter the store, pick what you want, and then head to the payment counter. It just takes a few more seconds after that.
Hold your phone over the payment processor and state your amount. Isn’t it easy?
Payments below $50 may not even need confirmation.
More Ways to Pay
No matter where you live, this payment solution gives you an extra advantage. You get to choose how you want to pay. And you don’t have to depend on those traditional old methods of payment.
Just choose the number, and you are good to go. You could even pay with just a QR code!
Using the App Online – Paying in Apps and Websites
Every eCommerce site supports multiple modes of payment. And some accept payments by Google Pay app too! Just go and choose one store that does it, and then select GPay in the list and tap on it.
You can then select your card, enter the details and have your favorite items delivered to your home.
iPhone User? Here’s what you can do!
iPhone users – here is some bad news for you. You may be able to use the app (GPay), but you won’t have the freedom that Android users will have. For one, you can’t use contactless payment. That’s not all that sucks. Worse, you will not be able to use the app to make purchases on websites or apps. That’s a bummer for sure.
Fortunately, if you still love Google, you can use the app to buy subscriptions, like on YouTube.
How to Send and Request Money
Again, it’s easy to pay others. Just go to your main screen and choose “Find people to pay” on your app. If it’s your first time, you will have to grant access to Google to access your contacts.
You will then be able to select people from a list.
Want to pay someone? Decide whom.
Step 1- Then tap on their name.
Step 2- Next, enter the amount you want to send and complete the transfer.
The other interesting things you can do:
- That’s not all. You can even send money to a group.
- Just create a group by adding people from your contacts.
- Split amounts using groups. For example, you can split the cost of a dinner between your friends by creating a group.
- Directly enter the phone number of the person to send money.
- Transfer amounts by scanning the QR code in the recipient’s app. They will find the QR code in their profile section.
Requesting Money on Google Pay
You can request money from people using Google Pay from your app. Just “Request” money. From the user you want on your app. Then, wait.
You will receive the money once the person accepts your request and processes the payment.
Products and Services You Can Pay for with Google Pay
Unfortunately, many features are only available to Android users as Apple doesn’t allow merchant payments.
Want to do more? Below are the additional things you can do with Google Pay:
How about Recharging Your Mobile
Some countries offer prepaid mobile connections. The users have to recharge their numbers every month to keep enjoying the services.
If you own a prepaid connection, you may use Google Pay to recharge your number. You will find the option after tapping the “New payment” button.
Provide your mobile number and enter the amount you want to recharge. Alternately, you can choose a plan from the available options, based on your operator.
Moreover, you can recharge other people’s numbers using the same method. Just enter their mobile numbers in the box provided and enter an amount.
Pay Your Bills
You can automate bill payments with Google Pay. Tap on the “Explore” button or the “New payment” option.
And you will see the option to pay your monthly bills.
And what do you do if you forget to pay bills each month? Don’t worry – the app has an option for you to automate it all. Pay everything from electricity bills to your cable seamlessly, each month, on auto pay.
There is one caveat though – the available options will vary based on locations as all services are not available in every country.
Buy or Order Products
You can pay a host of businesses with the app. Just head to the “Explore” button to check your options.
Want to pay a business but don’t know if they are on the app? Just go to the “Businesses tab” and find multiple merchants that accept Google Pay.
You can use the app for several activities like food online, groceries, investments, essentials and of course, some cool games. Did we forget to add you can book flights and hotels for your next vacation too?
Checking Your Bank Account Balance
Google Pay gives you a quick way to check your bank balance. However, you don’t need to open your banking app for this purpose.
All you need to do is to access your profile on your app. Next, tap on any of the bank accounts linked with your app.
Next, enter your PIN or pattern and get your current account balance on your screen.
Which Banks are Supported?
You can use debit or credit cards from several banks to set up your Google Pay. In the US, you have major banks and payment processors like Visa and Amex as well as Mastercard accepting GPay.
Major banks like HSBC also support this payment option.
Is Google Pay a Secure Payment App?
Who doesn’t like security? But not all apps are secure. Statistics suggest that most of the apps you download to your phone are vulnerable to attacks. Some even contain malware. But how is this app?
The company has worked hard to make its payment app secure and transparent. You can also use the privacy preferences to stay in control of and safe.
Best of all, Google doesn’t share your personal information with third parties. They also don’t use your data for marketing purposes or sell it to marketers.
In addition, the app relies on machine learning to track frauds. It will issue a warning if the payment you are making is suspicious.
Moreover, Google Pay uses an encrypted code to facilitate payments. Encryption means added security for you. Nobody knows your card details – not even whom you are paying.
How to Use Google Pay for Businesses
Google Pay is available to businesses to receive payments from customers. You will have to download the Google Play for Businesses version from the Play store.
Next, you can link your bank account to receive payment from buyers. You can also display your QR code and have people pay you by scanning it.
Google also offers its API for businesses to quickly set up the payment process.
Final Thoughts
This is a popular payment app across the world. It can help you to pay businesses and send money to people around the world. Android users can find the app by default on their devices, while others have to download it from the Play store. Use it to do what you want – and there are plenty of options here – more so, if you’re not an Apple iOS user.
