Google Pay (now often Google Wallet) offers convenience, but key downsides include limited acceptance at all retailers, reliance on phone battery/NFC functionality, potential for data privacy concerns, and limited buyer protection compared to credit cards. It also has limited support from some banks and can face transaction delays when transferring funds.
With security built in to protect you before, during and after every payment, using Google Pay is safer than swiping your card or paying with cash.
How safe is Google Pay? Google Pay protects your payment info with multiple layers of security, using one of the world's most advanced security infrastructures to help keep your account safe. When you pay in stores, Google Pay doesn't share your actual card number, so your information stays secure.
Yes, it is. Google Pay is considered safer to use than a physical card because it requires a PIN to make purchases. Just like Apple Pay, Google Pay doesn't share any of your information with the companies you buy from when you use Google Pay.
Here are some of the most secure payment methods available online:
Payment method encryption: Since Google Pay doesn't store your card details on your device, no one can access your info, even if it's unlocked. Learn more about automatic security features.
Google Pay keeps your information safe. Google Pay uses special things to stop frauds from stealing your money or knowing your identity. Your Google Pay information is stored in a safe place, and our team monitors it all the time.
Seamless payments across all of your devices begin with a few quick steps. Add your card details to your Google Account, and they will be stored safely for a smoother checkout experience.
With safety at heart
Google Pay will never sell your personal information or transaction history. Google Pay offers built-in security, like fraud alerts and encryption when paying online. Google Pay lets you choose your preferred privacy settings.
Choose how to secure your account
Tap Settings and then Privacy and security. Slide the button to Enable app lock. To set a PIN, select screen lock or four-digit Google PIN to set as PIN. To use your existing pattern, PIN, face ID, fingerprint or password that you use to lock your phone, select Use your screen lock.
To add money to Google Pay (now primarily Google Wallet), open the app, tap your profile icon, select your balance, choose "+Add money," pick a linked debit card or bank account (or link one if needed), enter the amount, and confirm; debit card funds are instant, while bank transfers take a few days. You can also add cash at some retail stores or use other linked cards/methods for instant top-ups in the Wallet app.
Starting on June 4, 2024, the U.S. version of the Google Pay app is no longer available for use.
As we've explained, Google Wallet/Google Pay is currently one of the most secure ways to make payments both online and in-store. It has many different security features which make it safer than both cash and card payments.
Google Wallet allows consumers to hold a wallet balance, send and receive money from friends in the United States, and use a plastic card in stores and online. Google Pay allows users to tap and pay in stores and use/redeem loyalty cards, gift cards, and offers in store.
Because digital wallets use tokenization, they never actually share your card's information when completing a transaction. This makes it impossible for anyone to skim your cards.
How much can I spend using Google Pay™? NatWest does not set a limit for how much you can spend using Google Pay™, though some retail limits might apply. Google Pay™ may also prompt you to enter your device screen unlock to authorise some payments.
Based on your Google Account settings, Google might also use your location info to provide location details in your receipts. How you use Google Pay, search history within the app, crash reports, diagnostics, and other app performance info: Google may use this info to track how users use the app.
Go to payments.google.com Settings. Under “Payments profile status,” select Close payments profile. Follow the on-screen instructions.
To check if your Google account is hacked, look for unfamiliar devices, strange security alerts, changed settings (like forwarding or filters), or suspicious activity in Gmail (sent emails you didn't write) or other Google services; if you see anything odd, immediately use Google's Security Checkup to review devices and sign out unrecognized ones, then change your password and enable 2-Step Verification.
Finally, a contactless card has to be used in a specific way to work. That means it can only be a few centimetres away from the card reader and not near any metal objects, like keys and mobile phones, or indeed any other contactless card. The fraudster would also need to know where your card is.
We only share personal information with third parties in the circumstances described in the Google Payments Privacy Notice. The credit card and debit card numbers you provide to Google are encrypted and stored on secure servers in a secure location.