What are a Google Pay account and a Google Pay wallet?

In the world of contactless payments, Google dominates the scenes with its solutions for users with a Google account.

With a Google Pay account and the Google Pay wallet, shoppers can enjoy a tailored experience when making payments online and in-store.

But are these secure services the same, and if not – how do they differ?

In the following sections, we answer these questions and more.

What is a Google Pay account, and what is it used for?

Google Pay is Google’s secure payment solution that enables users to tap to pay both online and in stores. 

Through their Google Pay account, the user adds their payment cards once, and the data is stored within the account. It allows payments to be made without providing this information at each purchase. 

The Google Pay account is predominantly used for contactless payments or to purchase products or services online or in apps. 

However, consumers can take advantage of additional features, including sending money to friends and more.

What is Google Pay wallet, and what is it used for?

On the other hand, the Google Pay wallet is a digital wallet that enables users to store their payment cards and other private data, like passes, IDs, and keys, on a mobile phone or other connected devices. 

Google Pay wallet functions via near-field communication (NFC), a technology that enables two separate devices to share data. NFC allows payment data to be sent from a shopper’s mobile phone to a store’s payment terminal. 

Via the Google Pay wallet, you can do the following things:

• Make money transactions; 
• Make payments in-store;
• Shop online;
• Store loyalty cards;
• Store identity cards;
• Store transit cards;
• View transaction history;
• Store vaccination certificates that serve as proof of vaccination, including the date on which the vaccine was received;
• Store boarding passes;
• Sync digital asses with Gmail.

These features can be accessed via the app and the Google Wallet website.

How to use the Google Pay wallet

To create a new Google Wallet, you must download and set up the app on your device.

Keep in mind that the Google Pay app has now become the Google Wallet app.

This means that if you already have a Google Pay account and use the app, you won’t need to do anything new. 

To use Google Wallet, you’ll need a Google Account and a device running at least Android 7. For security reasons, you may be required to create a screen lock on your device. 

Once you’ve installed the Google Wallet app, you’ll be asked to go through the setup process. Users new to Google Wallet must add a card by scanning their debit or credit card or manually providing their payment info. 

If you’re working with a pre-existing Google Pay account with included cards, tickets, or passes, these assets should be visible in your Google Wallet. 

To initiate mobile payments, your device must be up to date with software standards, have NFC activated, and have Google Pay selected as the default payment app. 

It’s important to note that if you’re using an Android phone to pay in stores, you’ll still be able to tap to pay in-store via the Google Wallet app.

Is there any difference between a Google Pay account and a Google Pay wallet?

While both the Google Pay account and the Google Pay wallet aim to transform payments in today’s digital world, they’re fundamentally different.

Google Wallet is a safe and private mobile wallet that enables quick access to various digital assets and payment methods. It can conveniently store your debit card information, a movie ticket, or a gym membership pass. 

On the other hand, you can make online payments, app payments, and contactless payments via your Google Pay account. When users come across a checkout that supports Google Pay, they can use their Google Pay account to quickly and easily make purchases without providing their full payment information.

How to use Google Pay account and Google Pay wallet at your business?

As a business, providing customers with the opportunity to use their Google Pay account and Google Pay wallet helps ensure quicker, protected access to daily essentials. 

To use a Google Pay account and Google Pay wallet as a merchant, you’ll need to set up a Google Pay for Business.  

Select a Google Account that will be used to receive payments for your business, or create a new one if you don’t have one already. 

You’ll be required to provide essential business details and submit your Unified Payments Interface ID (UPI ID) or your virtual payment address (VPA). 

Next, you’ll need to verify your bank account and receive confirmation from Google Pay once your application has been reviewed. 

Finally, you’ll need to integrate Google Pay into your existing technical platform or set up a new one to support this payment solution. 

Google provides extensive guidance on the setup process for developers, making it easy for any business to use Google’s payment services.

Conclusion

Google’s payment services have become a preferred payment method for consumers worldwide to shop and enjoy peace of mind, knowing their data can be accessed anytime, anywhere.

Understanding the differences between a Google Pay account and a Google Pay wallet is essential for businesses to use these solutions accurately. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a Google Pay account and a Google Pay wallet?

While the Google Pay wallet can store more than payment data (for example, movie passes, boarding passes, loyalty cards, and more), the Google Pay account is specifically used to make contactless payments online and in-store.

Can Google Wallet be used for tap to pay?

Yes, Google Wallet can be used to tap to pay anywhere you can find Google Pay or other contactless payment logos.

What if the user switches phones – will their stored information automatically transfer?

If users use a new phone, the Google Pay or Google Wallet information can be transferred to the new device. This means that cards, passes, and other digital assets will be instantly available on a new phone.