The Difference Between Google Wallet & Google Pay (2024)

FAQs

The Difference Between Google Wallet & Google Pay? ›

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.

Google Pay will soon be replaced by Google Wallet, but not in every country. Google Wallet is back. The tech giant announced Google Wallet for Android at its I/O 2022 developer conference back in May, describing it as an online wallet for your payment cards, boarding passes, electronic car keys and more.

Google has announced that it is pulling the plug on Google Pay in the US. From 4th June, 2024, some 25 million users of the GPay app in the country will be encouraged to transition to Google Wallet instead. The move represents a simplification of Google's payment options for Android-based smartphones.

Google Wallet is free of charge to all users. What is a digital wallet? A digital wallet is a fast, secure way to pay with your phone or to store cards, tickets, passes, keys and IDs.

The Disadvantages of Google Pay

Since it's still an up-and-coming payment method, it's not as widely used or supported as some alternatives. On top of that, some banks don't accept Google Pay yet. Make sure to confirm that you'll be able to link it to your bank account.

The app's discontinuation is part of a company strategy to simplify its digital payment options, by moving customers onto a more comprehensive solution — with Google Wallet storing digital items alongside payment cards and already boasting three times the user numbers of Google Pay.

You don't need to open the Google Wallet app. Tip: In most countries or regions, smaller transactions don't require you to unlock your phone.

Starting on June 4, 2024, the U.S. version of the Google Pay app is no longer available for use.

Make sure that your Google Wallet app is up to date. Learn how to update apps on Android. Make sure that your Android version is 9 or above. Make sure that Google Play Services are up to date.

Can Google Wallet work offline? Google Wallet itself, focusing on storing digital items, doesn't require an internet connection to function. Google Wallet acts as a secure storage app for your digital cards (credit/debit, loyalty programs, boarding passes, etc.).

Is it safe to add a credit card to Google Wallet? ›

Device tokens are virtual account numbers that replace your real card number when you pay with Google Wallet. Tokens are linked to your bank account, not your card, so your FPAN stays safe. Each token has built-in Android device authentication for extra security.

Contactless payments are not only convenient, they're also more secure than swiping your card. When you add a payment card to Google Wallet, it creates a device-specific virtual account number, known as a device token, so your real card number isn't stored on your device or shared with merchants.

If you just created a Google Pay account to make your first purchase or added a new card to your Google Pay account, you may see a $1 charge. This is to make sure your card is valid. It'll be removed and you won't be charged.

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.

Welcome to the Google Wallet community. Bank accounts cannot be linked directly to Google Wallet. A debit card linked to a checking account can be added.

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.

What is GPay? If you have the GPay app you may still be able to use it to send payments to others. GPay was originally launched as a peer to peer payment service from Google, but over time this option has been brought into Google Pay, so GPay isn't necessary if you also have Google Pay.

Effective June 4, 2024, the GPay app will no longer be available on the Google Play Store or function on existing devices. This decision comes alongside the discontinuation of peer-to-peer (P2P) payments functionality within the region.