We’ve all used Google to search for all kinds of random things and find answers to obscure questions we have. After all, Google has all the answers! But have you ever used Google technology to help you pay for goods or services? If you’ve used Android Pay or Google Wallet, then you’ve experienced some of the key tools that Google offers to help you complete transactions both online and in stores.
Google has recently announced that they will be phasing out their sub-brands for payment applications including Android Pay and Google Wallet – consolidating them into a single application that will be known simply as Google Pay going forward. Google Pay is effectively a combination of the existing Android Pay and Google Wallet applications, but presents a more simplified mobile payment process that is safer and more consistent. The core functionality of these services won’t necessarily be changing, but the entire payment process as a whole should be a lot more straight-forward.
In a Google blog post, Vice President of Product Management for Payments, Pali Bhat, described this transition as more of a rebranding than a change to the underlying products or technology. “With Google Pay, it’ll be easier for you to use the payment information saved to your Google Account, so you can speed through checkout with peace of mind,” Bhat wrote. “Over the coming weeks, you’ll see Google Pay online, in store, and across Google products, as well as when you’re paying friends.”
Google Pay Not An Overhaul But More of a Rebrand
Google Pay is effectively a rebrand of Google’s current payment platforms, Android Pay and Google Wallet which will soon become obsolete. If you already have a Google payment app on your phone, you will not need to download any other app. If you’ve already stored any credit, debit, gift, or loyalty cards to Android Pay or Google Wallet, you will not have to re-add them as they will still be saved. If you’ve already used a payment method to buy a Google product or service (like an app or movie on Google Play or storage space for Google Drive), you’ll still be able to access it through the Google payment center. The security measures protecting your info won’t change either with the new name. You can read about current security for Google Wallet here and for Android Pay here.
Any transactional information processed through Google will continue to be available through Google Pay – the transition will be made seamless. Payment information is linked to your Google account when you buy a Google app or movie in Google Play or storage space for your Google Drive. Any cards added to Android Pay, Google Wallet, Chrome or another Google payment product will appear in your Google Pay account. For more information you have on file with Google, visit the Google payments center.
Google Pay is Rolling Out
Google Pay is already available on apps and websites where you see the logo. Google’s initial partners include Airbnb, Dice, Fandango, HungryHouse and Instacart. And in an effort to spread awareness and increase adoption, Google is also offering a few promos to Google Pay users, including $5 off of movie tickets purchased via Fandango, $10 off on Instacart orders, and $10 off of B&H orders. Soon, you’ll be able to use Google Pay in a rapidly growing number of places. You can check the Google blog for upcoming Google Pay announcements.
MONEXgroup Brings Many Technical Innovation Firsts to Canada
As an innovator in the Canadian payment processing industry, MONEXgroup will be at the forefront of supporting Google Pay technology in 2018 and beyond. We have a proven track record of launching our own “firsts” as well. In 2016, we brought the first contactless unattended payment solutions for air pumps and vacuums to gas stations across Canada. That same year, we also brought the first contactless only payment solution to car washes with our Tap & Wash terminals, allowing customers to breeze through car washes without having to worry about finding the right amount of coin.
A year later in 2017, we brought the first Tap to Donate contactless only payment terminals to the nonprofit sector. This breakthrough enabled charitable organizations to increase their donation volume and frequency in the midst of an emerging cashless society. As leaders in technical innovations, MONEXgroup ensures that our payment terminals support virtually all forms of payment, from debit card to credit card, and Apple Pay to Android Pay… or make that Google Pay in the coming weeks!
If you are interested in partnering with a leading company who is at the forefront of technology and service, contact us today and learn how we can help you grow your business, and your bottom line.
