What is Google Pay, and how does it work?

Google Pay™ is a simpler, safer and faster way to pay online and in stores. With this guide, you can learn more about Google Pay, who it’s for and how to use it.

What you’ll learn:

• Google Pay is a digital payment system similar to Apple Pay®, Samsung Pay® and PayPal®.

• You can use Google Pay to pay in apps, online and in stores everywhere contactless payments are accepted.

• Google Pay helps keep your card information more secure through encryption and tokenization. Eligible Capital One cardholders can also use virtual cards when they shop online using autofill on Google Chrome and in supported Android apps after adding their credit card to Google Pay.

Google Pay is a quicker, easier and more secure way to make seamless payments online across all your compatible devices and in person at participating stores. Google’s tap-to-pay feature is similar to Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

First, you’ll need to add your card details to your Google Wallet. Afterward, you can then use Google Pay to pay faster and more securely everywhere Google Pay is accepted—as long as your credit card issuer or bank supports Google Pay.

There are three main ways you can use Google Pay to make purchases. You only have to save a payment method to your account once and then you can:

• Pay online wherever you see the Google Pay button: You can use the Google Pay button online to complete your payment with a few clicks. Simply choose your payment card and enter your billing and shipping information if prompted.

• Autofill your card details: When you’re signed into your Google account and shopping online on Chrome or in supported Android apps, your payment information will automatically be filled in for you. Just select a payment field and choose the saved payment option you want to use. For added security, you can select your virtual card from the drop-down and your actual card number won’t be shared with the merchant. If you already have an eligible Capital One card added to your Google Wallet and you’ve enrolled, a virtual card will automatically appear as a suggested payment method when you’re checking out online. If you don’t have a virtual card yet, here’s how to get one:

1. Use an eligible credit card to pay at checkout on Chrome.

2. If you haven’t previously saved the credit card to your Google Wallet, you’ll see a prompt to do that first. Then you will be prompted to make it more secure with a virtual card the next time.

3. After selecting “Yes,” you’ll see your virtual card as an option in the drop-down to autofill your payment option moving forward.

• Tap to pay in stores: When you have Google Wallet on an Android mobile device, you can tap your device to pay in stores using any of your saved payment methods. To pay, open Google Wallet on your device, hold it near the reader and look for the check mark indicating your payment was accepted.

Capital One cardholders who have an Android device can use the Capital One Mobile app or their online account to add cards to their Google Wallet. Simply access your Digital Wallet Manager, select Google Pay and follow the instructions on your screen to complete setup.

Using Google Pay to make contactless payments in stores requires having an Android device with the Google Wallet app installed. Your device must also have near-field communication (NFC) enabled. Keep in mind that your device must meet certain security and operating system requirements to support Google Pay. 

Both iOS and Android users can use Google Pay when shopping online on a supported browser like Chrome.

Google Pay comes with security protocols to help keep your account safe. These are also paired with security features from your card issuer. Here are a few features that help make payments with Google Pay more secure: 

• Screen lock and authentication: You’ll need to unlock your phone with your password, fingerprint scan or facial recognition to make most purchases or payments with Google Pay.

• NFC: The Google Wallet app uses NFC to transmit a virtual account number when you pay in stores. NFC only works if your device is within a few inches of the payment terminal, which can help prevent your information from getting stolen.

• Tokenization: When you store your card details in Google Wallet, your actual card number isn’t saved or shared. Instead, what gets shared with the merchant is a token—a new, different number that’s specific to your device and card.

• Virtual card numbers: When you check out using autofill on Chrome or in certain Android apps, Google Pay may provide the option for you to pay with a virtual card. This replaces your actual credit card number with a unique, store-specific virtual card number, providing an extra layer of security that may help reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft. If you already have an eligible Capital One card added to your Google Wallet and you’ve enrolled, a virtual card will automatically appear as a suggested payment method when you’re checking out online.

You can also use Google’s Find My Device to find, lock or erase your Android smartphone data if it’s lost or stolen.

As with other digital payment options, Google Pay has both pros and potential cons to consider.

There are many potential advantages of using Google Pay. For example:

• You don’t need to have your physical credit card on hand or use your actual credit card number to make a purchase.

• It’s quick to set up and link supported debit cards, credit cards and bank accounts. Capital One customers can easily add their cards to Google Wallet within the Capital One Mobile app.

• Google Pay helps protect your account information through encryption and tokenization, along with your mobile device’s built-in security features—such as NFC, screen lock and PIN or biometric authentication.

• Virtual cards on Chrome and in Android apps offer eligible Capital One credit card customers added security and a faster way to check out when shopping online. 

• You can take advantage of the convenience of Google Pay while still enjoying the rewards—and security features—that come with your credit card.

There may be some potential disadvantages of using Google Pay to consider. For instance: 

• You can’t add your credit or debit cards to Google Wallet if your bank or financial institution doesn’t support contactless payments with Google Pay.

• In-store contactless payments may only be available to Android users whose phones have NFC capability.

• You can’t use Google Pay in stores unless the store accepts contactless payments. Look for the Google Pay icon or the contactless payment symbol at checkout. 

Google Pay is an easy, flexible way to make purchases online and in stores. When shopping online using autofill on Chrome and in supported Android apps, Capital One credit card customers can also take advantage of virtual cards for added security.

Ready to get started with Google Pay? Learn how you can add your Capital One card to Google Wallet today to start making purchases.