What is Google Wallet?
Google Wallet™ enables you to simply access payment cards and other digital essentials—such as loyalty cards, event tickets, IDs and transit cards—all in one safe place, with built-in security. You can use Google Wallet wherever you are to access what you need, when you need it.
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Online and across Google: Use your payment cards and other essentials from Google Wallet online when you check out with autofill on the Chrome browser, or wherever you see the GPay checkout button.
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On the go: Use the Google Wallet app on Android to access your essentials and make quick, seamless contactless payments in stores.
Use this guide to learn more about what Google Wallet can do and how it works.
What you’ll learn:
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Google Wallet gives you simple access to stored payment methods and passes, both online and on the go.
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Google Wallet includes features that make your in-store and online purchases more secure.
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Capital One cardholders can add their cards to Google Wallet on the Capital One Mobile app.
What is Google Wallet used for?
Like other digital wallets, Google Wallet can be used to store payment information, making it accessible through your phone, online and across Google services. You can use your stored payment methods to make purchases online or use the Google Wallet Android app to make in-store purchases by simply tapping your phone to the card reader.
But in addition to making payments, Google Wallet also provides access to any other digital passes you’ve stored. That may include:
- IDs
- Boarding passes
- Tickets to movies, concerts and other events
- Transit passes
- Loyalty cards
- Digital car keys
How to set up Google Wallet
Here are steps you can take to set up Google Wallet on your device:
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Add your cards: Capital One cardholders can easily add their Capital One cards to Google Wallet directly from the Capital One Mobile app or their online account. Just navigate to the Digital Wallet Manager, choose Google Pay and follow the steps to add your cards. You can also add your cards via the Google Wallet mobile app for Android or by visiting wallet.google.com.
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Verify your cards: You may need to verify your card(s) if prompted.
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Get the app for in-store payments: If you plan to tap your phone to pay in stores, the Google Wallet app must be installed on your phone. Android users can download the app from the Google Play Store.
How to use the Google Wallet app for in-store purchases
Once your Google Wallet is set up and you’ve installed the Google Wallet app on your Android device, you can make convenient and fast payments anywhere contactless payments are accepted. Here’s how to use Google Wallet to make contactless payments in stores:
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Unlock your phone.
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Hold the back of your phone up to the card reader. (You don’t need to open the app first.)
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Wait for a blue check mark to appear on your phone screen to indicate the payment was successful. In some cases, you might be prompted to enter a PIN or provide a signature.
How to use Google Wallet for online and in-app purchases
There are two ways you can use your payment cards stored in Google Wallet for online and in-app purchases:
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Look for the GPay logo or button to speed through online checkouts safely using payment cards saved in your Google Wallet.
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Check out with autofill on Chrome to automatically fill in payment information from your Google Wallet.
You may be able to create and use a virtual card when you check out with autofill on Chrome for additional security. Virtual cards use unique numbers that are linked to your credit card account. Your virtual card is shared with the merchant when you pay online or in-app to help keep your physical card information safe.
Google Wallet FAQ
Still have questions about Google Wallet? Here are the answers to some additional commonly asked questions.
How do I access Google Wallet?
If you want to access Google Wallet, all you have to do is open the app or visit wallet.google.com. However, you don’t need to open the Google Wallet app to make purchases in stores. If your phone is unlocked, you can just hold the back of the phone to the card reader and the payment will go through.
If you open the app, you can see your added payment cards by swiping left or right. You can also view other passes, tickets and cards you’ve added by swiping up from the bottom of the screen.
Is there a fee to use Google Wallet?
No, Google Wallet is free to use for everyone.
Is Google Wallet safe?
Google Wallet is designed with security features to help protect your payment information. When you tap to pay with your Android phone, a unique number is shared with the business instead of your actual card number, so your payment info stays safe. You can also manage advanced security options on your device, such as two-factor authentication or remote locking.
Can I use Google Wallet with a smartwatch?
Yes, if your watch has NFC and runs Wear OS 2.0 or later, you can use the Google Wallet app on it. Any eligible passes and cards you add to Google Wallet on your phone will be accessible on your watch.
Key takeaways: Google Wallet
Google Wallet is a digital wallet that streamlines payments both in stores and online. Plus, it stores more than just credit and debit cards—it also keeps track of tickets, passes, loyalty cards, digital keys and more. Once you’ve added payment options to Google Wallet, you can shop more securely online or make contactless payments in stores using your mobile device.
If you’re ready to get started using Google Wallet, it’s easy to set up through the Capital One Mobile app. Just select Google Pay in the Digital Wallet Manager to add your cards to your Google Wallet.
