Google Pay for Android

Google Pay -- the digital wallet and online payment system from Google -- is a safe, easy way to make purchases with your phone.

Pros

Easy to set up and use: Add a credit or debit card to the Google Pay app (formerly called Android Pay) by either using the app to scan an image of the card or by entering card details manually. You can add multiple cards and set which one you want to use by default. Then to make an in-store purchase, tap your phone on an NFC point-of-sale terminal and authenticate the purchase.

Add your loyalty cards: Google Pay works with loyalty cards -- including Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, and Starbucks -- and you earn points when you use Google Pay where you've signed up for a loyalty program.

Works with other apps: You can use Google Pay as your payment method with other Android apps, including Fandango, Instacart, DoorDash, Wish, and Airbnb. When you are ready to pay at checkout, tap pay. Google Pay also works with the Visa Payment and the PayPal online payment systems for online purchases.

View recent activity: On the home screen, as you scroll down, you can view your recent purchases, including date, which card you used, and location of the retailer.

Google Pay Send: With the associated Google Pay Send app, you can send money to another person, using their email address or phone number. The recipient receives a message and can accept or decline the transfer. You can also request money and hold the balance in Google Pay or use your debit card to send the amount to your bank account.

Cons

Not widespread support: A recent report found that only 29 percent of retailers accepted Google Pay. While more have plans to adopt it, the numbers aren't in your favor.

Bottom Line

Google Pay is a convenient and secure way to use your Android phone to make purchases. The problem is finding enough stores that accept it so you can keep your credit cards in your pocket.