If you have a smartphone, then most likely you’ve heard about Google Pay. If you have any apps on your recent smartphone such as Facebook or Instagram, you’ve already used Google Pay in order to have them on your phone. Google Pay is an app which combines Android Play and Google Wallet all in one place. It keeps all your cards, including credit, debit, and gift cards in one organized place. Now, more shops support Google Pay via NFC as well as banking institutions offering the service to their clients as well. Currently, Google is offering a $10 Google Play Store gift card if you use Google Pay on five different days over the next month. Not a bad reason to try it out, right? Now, you’ll be able to keep all your various shopping payments all in one place. Whether it’s a debit card, credit card, gift card or loyalty card, everything you need is in one place.
It’s time to update yourself with technology and jump on board with Google Pay as it’s now a mainstream source of payment. Let’s see how you can set up your Google Pay account.
Setting up Google Pay for the First Time
So, you want to give Google Pay a try – great decision! But you need to know how to set it up before anything. When you’re loading Google Pay for the first time and log into the app with your Google account, the app with automatically set itself up by recognizing any credit cards which are already connected to your Google Play account. It’ll request to add them to your Google Pay. Now, the credit cards can then easily be added or you may have to complete a couple steps to verify your account.
Once that’s completed, you’ll be asked to allow Google Pay permission for various actions, including NFC which you’ll need to allow in order to use your Google Pay tap-to-pay feature. The app will also require your primary payment method as well. Not sure how to add a credit or debit card as a payment method? Don’t worry, we’re going to tell you how.
How to Add a Credit or Debit Card to Google Pay
Google Pay will automatically add any credit cards which are linked to your Google Play account. If you’re adding a credit or debit card, you’ll have to find out which financial institution supports Google Pay in the USA. If you’re from Canada, a majority of the financial institutions offer Google Pay support, though, it’s unavailable to members of credit unions.
1. Tap to launch the Google Pay app
2. Tap the credit card icon which is the “+” symbol
3. Tap “add a credit or debit card”
4. You’ll be given instructions which you will follow. You’ll be given an option to scan your card using your phone’s camera or you can also manually enter it in.
5. Once your card has been added, you may need to activate it through your financial institution.
How to Add a Loyalty Program Card to Google Pay
Google Pay also accepts loyalty program cards as well.
1. Tap to launch the Google Pay app
2. Tap the “add card” icon which is “+” symbol
3. Tap “add a loyalty program”
4. Use the “search bar” to find the loyalty card you’d like to add
5. You’ll be given an option to scan your card using your phone’s camera or you can also manually enter it in.
How to Add a Gift Card to Google Pay
You’re also able to add gift cards to your Google Pay account. Google Pay will store all your gift cards digitally in one place, keeping everything neat and organized.
1. Tap to launch the Google Pay app
2. Tap the “add card” icon which is the “+” symbol
3. Tap “add a gift card”
4. Use the “search bar” to find the businesses which have the gift card you’d like to add to your account
5. Enter the “gift card information” and tap “save”
From there, you’ll see the remaining balance of the gift card which will be displayed with tour other gift cards as well.
