Apple Pay and Google Pay are two very similar mobile payment options that can be used to make payments in stores and online. They are both popular as they allow you to pay for items using just your phone, eliminating the need to carry cash, or a physical credit or debit card. Both options have been around for a while now, with Apple Pay launching in late 2014, and Google Pay, which was previously known as Google Wallet and Android Pay, launching in 2018.
There are a lot of similarities between the two systems. Both work by allowing users to link their credit or debit card details to their mobile devices, and both use near-field communication (NFC). This is the technology that allows for contactless payments, which can be taken by simply scanning your phone screen across a payment terminal, without having to touch it.
How does Apple Pay work?
The option to pay using Apple Pay is available for most Apple mobile devices that come with either Face ID or Touch ID. It can be used on iPhones and iPads and also on Apple Watches. It can even be used on a Mac. If you have one of the devices that can be used with Apple Pay, then the technology needed to use it is already built into your device.
You’ll find Apple Pay within the Wallet app on your device. On your phone, just open the Wallet app, and tap to add a card. On an iPad, go to Settings, select Wallet and Apple Pay, and then tap Add Card. If you would like to link Apple Pay to your Apple Watch, open the Apple Watch app on your phone and tap My Watch. Then tap Wallet and Apple Pay. If you have cards on your other Apple devices, you should be able to see them, and you can tap Add next to the card you want to link to the Apple Watch, and then enter the card’s CVV. If you would like to add another card, then tap Add Card and follow the instructions.
To set up Apple Pay, you will simply need to link your device to at least one payment method such as a credit card, debit cards or even a prepaid card. To use Apple Pay to make a purchase in a store, the user will need to first authenticate the transaction, which can be done using Face ID or Touch ID, or by entering the device’s passcode. The user will then need to hold the device close to the payment terminal so that the information on the phone can be read. When this is done, the transaction will go through and the display will confirm that the transaction is complete.
When using an Apple Watch with Apple Pay activated, there is the option to make a payment by double-clicking the side button and then presenting the watch display to the contactless payment reader.
Apple Pay users can also make peer-to-peer (P2P) payments but will need to do it via Apple Cash using the Messages app. Additionally, they can make a payment by asking Siri to pay someone using a credit or debit card that is stored in the app. In-app purchases are fully enabled, and online purchases can also be completed on any site displaying the Apple Pay logo within its accepted payment methods.
How does Google Pay work?
One difference between Google Pay and Apple Pay is that you will generally need to download and activate the Google Pay app in order to set it up. The app is available for most modern Android devices, including both phones and smartwatches, and is most commonly used by Android users. However, there is also an app for those using iPhones if they prefer to use Google Pay. Once the app is installed, you can set it up by opening the app and following the instructions. Google Pay, just like Apple Pay, allows users to link credit, debit and prepaid cards.
When making purchases in a store, users will simply need to unlock their phones in the usual way and scan the contactless payment reader. A locked phone cannot be scanned, but once it is unlocked, there is no need to open the Google Pay app. The payment reader will indicate when Google Pay has been scanned and the transaction is complete. Users may need to turn on the NFC payment function within their phones or check that it is already on.
When using Google Pay with a smartwatch, it is necessary to open the Google Pay app and hold it up to the terminal until there is a buzz. Smartwatch users may also be prompted to enter a PIN number to complete the payment.
Much like Apple Pay, Google Pay can also be used to complete in-app or online purchases where the Google Pay logo is listed in the site’s or app’s accepted payment methods. In addition, users can send money to an individual using the Google Pay app if they have the phone number or email address of the recipient.
Also read: Trending Apple Watch Faces To Try
Should I use Apple Pay or Google Pay?
The first thing to consider is your device. If you have an Android device, then Apple Pay simply won’t work for you. It is built into Apple devices but is not a separate app that can be downloaded, so it cannot be put on an Android phone or other devices.
If you have an Apple device, then you have more choice because the Google Pay app is available for iPhones. However, most Apple users do not consider it unless they have a specific objection to Apple Pay, because it involves the extra step of downloading the app, and does not really offer any advantages over Apple Pay.
Ultimately, both systems offer a very similar experience, so most Apple users tend to stick with Apple Pay, while Android users use Google Pay.
