Mobile Payments Made Easy with Google Pay

1. Introduction

Google Pay is a digital wallet and online payment system. It allows users to make payments, both in person and online. There is also the option to store and use debit and credit card information. In addition, it offers the possibility of storing loyalty cards and gift cards. Google Pay is available in a number of countries, including the United States, India, and the United Kingdom. As a payment system, it offers a number of advantages to users. This includes a user-friendly interface, a number of unique services, and tight security protocols to protect user information. It is designed to use a number of different layers of protection, including encryption and tokenization of the user’s payment information. These measures help to ensure that the user’s payment information is protected and that transactions are secure. When a payment is made using Google Pay, the full card number is not transmitted and is not stored on the physical device being used.

1.1 Overview of Google Pay

Google Pay is a digital wallet platform and online payment system developed by Google to power in-app and tap-to-pay purchases on mobile devices, enabling users to make payments with Android phones, tablets, or watches. It was initially launched in the US in 2015 as Android Pay, a successor to and rebranding of Google Wallet. Google added the ability to pay with a stored value in the digital wallet, which the company calls Google Pay. Google Pay adopts the underlying technology and the ease of use of Android Pay and Google Wallet, which has resulted in a competitive and useful digital marketing tool for developers and organizations. Also, it creates a better and seamless payment experience for users and strengthens Google’s brand elements and synergies. By 2018, Android Pay was merged with Google Wallet to form Google Pay. As a digital wallet standard, Google Pay is based on the NFC payment standard and HCE, and it is regulated and supervised by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in Hong Kong. Last year, the Hong Kong version of the payment service, “Google Pay for the Business (HK),” was launched with financial institution partners including Standard Chartered and DBS. By leveraging the knowledge of AI, Google Pay works with the mission to be the simplifier for users, making a quick and highly secure payment experience with a digital wallet as possible. Through utilizing the machine learning ability of Google Assistant, a conversational and interactive experience between the app and users can be performed with the result of a better user engagement.

1.2 Benefits of Using Google Pay

Not only does Google Pay make the process of making payments simpler and more convenient, but it also comes with a number of added benefits that make it stand out from other proprietary mobile payment apps like Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. Google Pay is platform-agnostic, which means that it can be used on any Near Field Communication (NFC) enabled device running Android 5.1 or later. This means that the app is not just restricted to use on newer devices with the latest versions of Android. As many smartphone users choose to hold on to their devices for longer, Google Pay could offer a more inclusive option for those who might not have the latest device which would be compatible with other forms of mobile payment. By comparison, Apple Pay can only be used on an iPhone 6 or newer model and Samsung Pay on particular Samsung devices. This means that there is more flexibility and a greater potential for Google Pay to be used by a broader reach of customers, making it a much more attractive option to businesses who want to ensure that they offer the widest range of payment choices to their customers. It is also worth bearing in mind that while the app is currently only readily available for use in the US and the UK, Google has expressed its intentions to expand the app’s availability to many more countries worldwide. This could mean that there are significant future benefits for both businesses and customers alike with the increased potential for global or overseas use as Google Pay continues to expand its services internationally. Google Pay is also designed to offer excitement and choice in how customers can use the app. Along with being able to quickly and securely buy items in a wide range of shops with just a tap, the app can also be used to breeze through the checkout online by using the Google Pay button where it is available – doing away with the need to type in long card numbers and security codes. And when it comes to making in-app purchases, Google Pay could offer another handy way for customers to pay with ease; this is beneficial for both businesses in giving customers a constant, smooth purchasing experience as well as potentially driving up the sale of certain goods and services. Finally, Google Pay utilises a tokenisation security system to protect user data. This involves creating a unique virtual account number that is used to represent customer’s payment information; this number is sent in place of bank details when purchases are made, which means that actual card data is never shared when a customer uses the app to make a payment. This offers a much safer way to pay because, even if stores and their payment systems were compromised, user data is kept secure and less likely to be exposed – an assurance that is sure to be a significant draw for many customers.

1.3 How Google Pay Works

When you make a payment with Google Pay, the transaction is handled in pretty much the same way as when you use a contactless debit or credit card. However, instead of using the card’s details, Google Pay uses a virtual account number to represent your card. This number is used to process your payment and is different from the other number on your physical card. When you make a payment using your virtual account number, it’s transmitted alongside a one-time security code. This whole process is now the industry standard for secure online and mobile payments. It’s called tokenization and it’s very clever. By using tokenization, your card details are never shared with retailers or merchants. This makes it much harder for your payment information to be used without your knowledge. Also, because the card’s details aren’t being transmitted during the transaction, intercepting them is much more difficult. This makes Google Pay one of the most secure ways to make a payment. What’s more, it’s also really convenient. With the Google Pay app open or your Android device unlocked, there’s no need to open an app, and you don’t need to verify the payment with your fingerprint or PIN for most or all payments. Plus, because nothing is transmitted in the clear, it’s more secure than making a contactless payment with a physical card, where the card’s details and bank making the payment can be intercepted. All of this makes Google Pay a simple, secure and convenient way to shop, whether in store or online.

2. Setting Up Google Pay

Although setting up Google Pay just takes a few simple steps, there are some potential complications. By following the below guide, you won’t go too far wrong. Firstly, installing the Google Pay app onto your smartphone couldn’t be simpler. For Android, simply open the Google Play Store app and search for “Google Pay”. Once located, simply click the “Install” button and follow the on-screen instructions. For iPhones however, the process is a little different. Unusually, you will need to open the Apple App Store and search for “Google Pay”, instead of using the usual method of accessing the Apple Wallet. After locating the app as part of your search results, complete the installation by following the on-screen instructions. With the app on your device, open it up and, after signing into your main Google account, you’re ready to begin the process of adding your first payment method. Create a list of items that you need to check before starting the set-up progress. For example, verify that your device uses Android Lollipop (version 5) or higher and that it supports Near Field Communication (NFC) technology as it will be required when completing payments.

2.1 Creating a Google Pay Account

To get started with Google Pay, you need to have a Google account. If you do not already have one, you should create an account now by visiting the Google account creation page and following the instructions to create your personal Google account. When you have finished creating a Google account, return to the main Google page and sign in to your newly created account by clicking on the “Sign in” button. You will need to provide the username and password associated with your new Google account. After signing in to your Google account, you can proceed with creating a Google Pay account. First, navigate to the “Google Pay” page by either searching for “Google Pay” in Google and clicking on the appropriate search result, or by entering “pay.google.com” in your browser’s address bar. When you have accessed the Google Pay home page, click on the “Get started” button. You may be required to sign in again to confirm your Google account identity. Next, there will be a few informational screens that describe the main features of Google Pay and the different types of transactions you can perform. After you have reviewed this information, click on the “Accept and continue” button. The next screen will ask you to confirm your country of residence. Go ahead and select your country from the drop-down menu and then click on the “Save and continue” button. Finally, you will see a screen in which Google Pay asks permission to access and use specific information about your Google account. This is required in order for Google Pay to work properly. Go ahead and review the permissions requested by Google Pay, and if you agree, click on the “I agree” button at the bottom of the page. Congratulations! You have successfully created a Google Pay account. As long as you are signed in to your Google account, you can access Google Pay by visiting the web page or by downloading the Google Pay app on your mobile device and signing in with the same Google account.

2.2 Linking Payment Methods

To link your card, open the app and press “Payment” on the home screen. From there, press the blue “+” or “Add” icon on the display. At this point, Google Pay will instruct you to use your phone’s camera to take a picture of your card. You will also need to input some information, such as the card’s expiration date and your name. If manually inputting the information, use the cursor to select the appropriate text box to type. Once the app confirms the card and your device is verified for security, you will be asked to accept the terms and conditions. Your provider may also request that you confirm your identity. This might involve sending you a unique code by text or email to ensure the security of your account. If you’ve signed up for a new card through Google Pay and it hasn’t arrived yet, you can use the virtual card. This is stored on your phone and works in the same way as a physical card would. This feature can make all the difference if you’re desperate to use Google Pay but your physical card is unavailable. However, you should remember that a virtual card can’t be used if your phone doesn’t work – if the battery is dead or there are technical issues with the device, you won’t be able to access your card. Also, using your physical card for a transaction does not cancel the virtual card. The app itself offers a convenient way of managing the cards that have been linked to your account. By pressing “Payment” on the home screen and then selecting “Payment methods”, you can view all of the cards that have been added to the app. Cards can be removed from here, and pressing on a specific card allows you to view more detailed information as well as your recent transaction history. This makes it easy to keep track of your spending.

2.3 Verifying Your Identity

When you verify your identity with Google Pay, you are going through a process known as KYC, or Know Your Customer. This is a process that is known globally and it is designed to comply with international regulations and to make sure that your identification is actually you and it isn’t a fraudulent piece of identification. Not only does this process help Google to verify their users are who they say they are, it also helps to prevent illegal activity like money laundering, fraud, or terrorist financing. As part of the verifying your identity process, you’re going to have to give some personal details, such as name, date of birth, address, and a document reference number. You will also have to provide copies or take a photo of certain identification documents. Usually, you are going to need to give a photo of a government-issued ID, like a driver’s license, to verify your identity. And if an address is required, you may be doing a proof of address as well, which is where you provide a document that shows your name and your address, like a utility bill or a bank statement. These kinds of documents are going to vary between countries and regions, and the document options available to you might change.

3. Making Payments with Google Pay

Once you’ve added loyalty cards and have set up Google Pay, in-store payments are straightforward. To make a payment, simply place the back of your phone near the contactless payment terminal. The screen doesn’t have to be on – the terminal should register your phone and automatically launch Google Pay. However, if you have opened the app and it is displaying a loyalty card, you need to close the app before you can verify and complete a payment. Keep in mind that not every store will accept mobile payments, so it’s a good idea to check the card reader for contactless payment symbols before you try to make a Google Pay purchase. If you’re not sure, staff at the store should also be able to tell you if contactless payments are accepted. After a successful payment, the app will display a confirmation and a payment receipt, which you can save if you want to keep a record. You’ll also receive a notification on your phone confirming the payment amount and the retailer at which the transaction was made – this can be a useful feature if you need to keep track of your spending. When setting up Google Pay to make online payments, the process for adding a payment card is very similar to that of adding a credit or debit card. However, online payments will require you to verify your identity and complete a multi-step verification process, which includes validation through your email address or a text sent to your mobile phone. This is a standard security process and is there to protect you when making card-not-present transactions, such as those made online. Unlike other payment platforms, Google Pay does not directly charge fees to the user when you send money to friends, family or other trusted contacts. However, bear in mind that in some cases, such as when using a credit card as a payment source, the card provider may treat a Google Pay payment as a cash advance, resulting in additional fees. Also, if you choose to use a credit card as a payment source when sending money abroad, a transaction fee may be applied. Always check with your bank or card provider if you’re unsure about any additional fees that can be incurred through using Google Pay.

3.1 In-Store Payments

When you make a payment in a shop, the tokenized card number and a cryptogram unique to that transaction are sent securely from your device to the terminal, along with a few pieces of information such as the phone’s location and information that confirms the card and device have been used for payment before. This unique cryptogram, combined with the special dynamic information, makes your payment information even more secure. This process is called a ‘token transaction’ and replaces your card information with a token. So, if a retailer’s payment system is ever compromised, your real account details are never exposed. Well, that’s probably more than anyone needs to know, but in case you were interested, Google Pay definitely seems to be nice and safe!

Wherever you use Google Pay, the company will not share your actual card details with the other party. Instead, the company will use virtual account numbers – what it calls ‘tokenization’. That is when personal account numbers are replaced with 16-digit virtual account numbers unique to your card and mobile device. The virtual account number does not work in the physical world – the transaction must occur when you use the tap and pay method with your phone. Therefore, the companies can use the virtual account number from Google Pay to initiate the purchase on the mobile device. These payments are authorized using fingerprint, passcode, or pattern, so the payment is very secure. This means, if you lose your phone, your money is safe.

Google Pay is a mobile wallet that allows you to make online, in-store, and peer-to-peer payments. Quite a few shops now accept Google Pay. To use Google Pay in shops, you will need an Android phone that supports near-field communication (NFC) and host card emulation (HCE). The shop will also need to accept contactless payments. When you want to pay, unlock your phone and hold it up to the terminal. You do not need to open the app, and you can still use Google Pay even if your phone is off – just wake it up by pressing the power button.

3.2 Online Payments

When you are making a payment on a website, the process may be a little different from that in an app, as different websites might have different layouts and payment processes. After you’ve added what you want to buy into your shopping basket, you’ll need to find the option to proceed to the checkout – this might be a button that says “Go to checkout” or something similar. Then, when you’re asked to select a payment method, choose the option to pay with a debit or credit card. Many online retailers will have this option as it is the most common way customers pay online. When you have done that, you’ll then be asked to enter your card details – simply select the card you’ve added to your Google Pay account and Google Pay will fill in your payment details for you! After that, you might need to complete a security step, such as entering a code sent to your phone. Finally, confirm your payment and then look out for a payment confirmation and/or a confirmation email from the retailer. As with payments made in apps, you can check the details of your recent payment in “Payment methods” within Google Pay. So using Google Pay to make an online payment is not only quick and easy but also secure – there’s no need to manually type in your card details or set up an account with the website you’re buying from!

In addition to being able to make payments in physical stores, Google Pay can also be used to make payments within apps and on websites. When making a payment in an app, many of the steps are the same as making a payment in-store. First, you open an app that offers Google Pay as a payment option, then you select what you want to buy and add it to your shopping basket. You then select “Buy with Google Pay” and follow any instructions on-screen to complete your purchase. Finally, if you want to check, you can go to “Payment methods” within Google Pay to see the details of your recent payment.

3.3 Peer-to-Peer Payments

Transferring money with Google Pay is quick and simple to do. Tap the “Send” button at the bottom of the screen, enter the amount and add a note if you’d like, and then select “continue”. Next, select the payment that you’d like to use – as we’re making a peer-to-peer payment, the money will go straight from your chosen payment method to your recipient’s one. Now, all you need to do is enter in the person who you’re sending the money to – either their email address or phone number will work in this instance. Google Pay will quickly locate who you’re after, and you can select them and double-check their details before you confirm the payment. It’s a similar process for requesting money in return using Google Pay – tap the “Receive” button, enter the amount alongside a brief note, and then follow the same steps as we have listed above. By using Google Pay to make peer-to-peer payments, individuals and small businesses can take advantage of a quick, no-fuss way to both send and receive money from friends, family, and customers. With no fees charged for the use of debit cards or bank transfers, and fraud protection included as standard, it’s both a reliable and cost-effective finance solution. So, get up to speed with the digital age and download Google Pay today – the days of carrying coins and scrambling to find a card reader when you’re next at a friend’s barbecue could be a thing of the past!

4. Security and Privacy

Google Pay is designed to be secure. When you use Google Pay, your actual card number is not sent with your payment. Instead, a virtual account number is used to represent your account information – providing an extra layer of security. In addition, Google Pay can also provide the following security features: phone loss prevention, payment protection with Google Pay’s unauthorized transaction protections and advanced security with “SafetyNet” and “Host Card Emulation” technologies. “SafetyNet” is a technology created by Google that helps to ensure the security of the Google Pay app. It uses a combination of software and hardware to protect business and personal data from device-based security threats. For example, “SafetyNet” works to protect the Google Pay app from being used on devices that have been infected with malware. And “Host Card Emulation” is a method in which a mobile device can make NFC (near-field communication) payments without having to access secure chips in the device hardware. Instead, the Google Pay app uses software to manage the payment transactions – such as a program known as a “secure element emulator”. By utilizing both software and hardware in the device and not accessing any secure chips, “Host Card Emulation” provides a more secure way to process payments. However, “Host Card Emulation” requires an active and properly working network connection in order to process payments. For additional information about “Host Card Emulation” and how Google Pay processes payments, visit the “How Google Pay Works” webpage. When processing a transaction, a text notification informs you of the recent transaction amount and the merchant you just made a payment with – providing additional security for peace of mind.

4.1 Google Pay Security Features

Google Pay security features are numerous. First of all, because the service is tap to pay, the biggest security benefit of Google Pay is basically never having to show any other person your card. It’s true that some merchants may ask to see the last four digits of the card number, but from the point of view of security, that’s not a very significant thing. The main thing is you don’t have to have the long card number, the security code on the back, or the expiration date stored in and exposed via merchants’ database. When people discuss Google Pay security, a common point made is about the security of the card details. Well, it’s not just any people, but mainly Google in the shape of explaining the service’s benefits and areas thereof that help to make sure that people’s card data are well protected when using Google Pay. First of all, Google points out that the card details aren’t actually stored on the phone. Instead, they are stored on the server. When a user adds a card to the app, of course, that will mean the card detail is transmitted from the user to the server. However, this process is protected by such a technology that the card information is not visible. After the card information is transmitted and the user gets verification, that user account would be issued with a device account number. This particular number, along with a generated token, would then be stored as a special kind of code on the user’s device. This is the code used to process transactions initiated by Google Pay. Given that credit and/or debit card details are securely stored, everybody can easily understand if someone loses the phone – there’s a security problem not about people getting the card details, but it’s still not nice to lose a very expensive phone. Well, another Google Pay security feature is that when someone loses a phone, the ‘find my phone’ method can be used to instantly lock the device from anywhere, secure it with a new password, or even display a message and/or phone number on the screen so someone can easily contact the phone’s owner. There’s also the option to completely remove all the information on the phone remotely, in case that phone may not be found and/or there is a higher risk that the phone is stolen.

4.2 Protecting Your Personal Information

Keywords: industry standards, transaction information, personal information. It is true that Google Pay uses several different types of information in order to execute a payment. Most importantly, the application stores the personal and financial information that the user provides when they set up their account. This includes the user’s name, the credit or debit card number, and the card’s expiration date. However, people using Google Pay will also notice that each transaction generates its own unique piece of information – this is called ‘transaction information’. When a payment is successful, the application quickly sends not just the funds but also this data to the vendor or store. This process is known as ‘tokenization’ and it is the security feature that stops the user’s real card number being shared with the vendor. Instead, Google Pay sends a virtual account number along with the transaction information. This means that the user’s real financial information is kept safe – it is stored and transmitted in a separate and highly secure environment. In addition, although the application will keep hold of the transaction information, it will automatically delete it after a set period of time, usually about two years. Also, the user has some control over their personal information. For example, it is possible to customize the default privacy settings through the expression of individual preferences. All relevant industry standards are met and Google Pay users can be satisfied that along with protecting personal information, the service works within strict parameters when it comes to security. These are European Banking Industry standards – the Payment Services Directive – and the PCI SSC; the global data security standard for the payment card industry. What that means is that any payments made on Google Pay benefit from the protection offered by these standards. All this information adds up to create a strong and positive picture of Google Pay’s security and abilities to protect user data and privacy.