GPay vs Google Pay – Key Differences, Strengths and Applications of Each

If you use Google Pay, you must have likely heard about GPay. You would agree with me that many people are confused about these two payment apps and if there is any difference between GPay VS Google Pay.

Have you ever wondered what edge one has over the other app? Or you are probably not sure which of the apps is best. Worry no further because this article is made specifically for you. Continue reading as we compare GPay VS Google Pay.

What is GPay VS Google Pay?

As you are probably aware, Google Pay is a digital wallet linked to your Google account, allowing you to make payments for items online or in person and monitor purchases using your Android phone, tablet or watch. As of January 8, 2018, Google Pay combined Android Pay and Google Wallet, formerly independent apps, to introduce a single app that included tickets, loyalty programs and tap-to-pay options to become GPay.

GPay is a core for peer-to-peer (P2P) & contactless transactions, financial monitoring, and many more. But what are the distinct differences between GPay VS Google Pay?

Differences between GPay VS Google Pay

GPay is the newer or updated version of Google Pay; hence it has more features. The GPay app has everything Google Pay offers and more. Although GPay is now misleadingly named the Google Pay app, Google Pay served as the foundation for GPay.

Google Pay was for contactless payments, while GPay is a core for not only contactless transactions but also financial monitoring and peer-to-peer (P2P) payments.

Strengths of GPay VS Google Pay

One of the greatest strengths of GPay is that it’s very secure. Payment details are often encrypted and saved on Google’s secure networks, so you can trust Google to protect your sensitive financial data. Google pay also works without revealing your card details when you make a payment, and it uses the virtual account number it generates for you.

Another strength is that with Google Pay, it is very easy to share money with your family & friends. GPay aspires to be a one-stop destination for all financial activities, including your bank account. It has the feature of peer-to-peer (P2P) payments and permits you to order meals from cafeterias and access corporations. The GPay app has everything Google Pay offers and more like the ability to share money.

Speed is also another strength of Google Pay. Google Pay is fast, and using it to make payments is quicker because you do not have to input any credit card information. Using the Google pay app, you can perform payments with just a click since all data needed is already stored in GPay.

Google pay offers you the convenience of having to go places without holding any of your credit or debit cards. You can use the Google Pay App not only on Android devices but also on your smartwatch; if you are an iOS user, you can access Google Pay via your browser.

Applications of Google Pay

Google Pay can do a lot when it comes to financial transactions. The following are some of the applications of Google Pay.

• Contactless payments: This is the primary application of Google Pay. Without your credit or debit card, you can visit a shop or place with the Google Pay logo and make payments using your android phone.

• In-app payments: Google Pay can also be used on apps and websites. To utilize it at checkouts, when you notice the Google Pay logo or icon on sites and apps, you need to click on it.

• Payment at transits: Google Pay can be used in transit systems. To use it in transits, go to the bottom of the home tab in the app and click on the RIDE TRANSIT option. Next, choose the transit ride you prefer and click on CONTINUE. The transit system determines if you will be directed to a transit platform to get the tickets. Some might require you to unlock your mobile device before you can pick up your ticket. Then, to use the ticket or pass, put your phone close to the card reader and hold on till a blue check mark comes up.

• Cardless withdrawals: Google Pay can be used to withdraw money from ATM without your ATM or credit cards. You can get cash out of an ATM without your ATM Card by simply inputting your card’s PIN at the ATM.
• Wireless cash transfers: GPay can be used to send and receive money, similar to other mobile money apps. With the Google Pay app, you can receive or send money to family and friends, which is super easy. All you need to do is to click the SEND OR REQUEST MONEY option on the app and select a contact.

You can also share with someone not on your contact list by typing the person’s email address or phone number. If the person has Google Pay on their mobile device, you can share your QR Code with them or collect theirs.

Even without using the app, you can send money from your browser by using the pay.google.com link and following the same procedure stated above.

• Gifting: You can add gift cards to your Google Pay wallet in your Google Pay app.

Read also: Apple Pay Instant Transfer Not Working? Best Fixes

How to pay with Google Pay

You must first set up the Google Pay app on your Android device to be able to pay with Google Pay. To set it up, follow the simple process below:  

STEP 1: You can find the GPay app on Google Playstore. Open it to download and install it on your device.

STEP 2: When it is done installing, open it and click on GET STARTED, then CONNECT TO GMAIL. You are required to permit the app to access your location so that it can notify you if you are in an area where Google Pay is accepted or not.

STEP 3: Check the bottom of the app; you will see four tabs. One of them is the HOME tab. Click on it and go to PAY WITH YOUR PHONE IN STORES to set it up. If you initially have a card linked to your Google account, the app will suggest you tie it to your Google Pay app, and you have an option to select a new card by clicking ADD A NEW CARD. If you don’t have any credit card linked initially, you will see an option to ADD A PAYMENT METHOD.

STEP 4: After setting up your new card, saving, and accepting the terms & conditions, your card will need to be verified.

STEP 5: Once you confirm that you understand the message, you must choose where the verification will be sent. You can decide to receive it through email or phone message. When you get the verification number, enter it in the empty field and click SUBMIT.

STEP 6: It is possible to save a card as a default card when you have multiple cards linked to your Google Pay app. To do that, click on that particular card and hit DEFAULT FOR IN-STORE PAYMENTS.

Now that your Google Pay app has been set up, using it to make payments at shops/ stores is quite as easy. Google Pay can be used where you see either a Google Pay symbol, a contactless symbol (one that looks like a wireless logo and a hand holding a card next to it), or the Tap–and–Pay logo.

If you find the logo or symbol and are about to pay, hold your phone closer to the payment point (about a few inches away) and unlock it. Then, hold the back button until you see a blue check sign. After that, Google Pay automatically opens with your linked default card.

This works due to the Near-field communication (NFC) Google Pay uses to send information about your card to the payment terminal. In less than a second, the system reads your virtual account number and sends it to the bank to verify the data and the transaction.

You now have a good knowledge of what Google Pay is and what the app offers. After reading this far, I hope you’re no longer confused about GPay VS Google Pay.

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