How to Accept Google Pay

Consumers today live in a world defined by choice. Gone are the days of one main shopping street filled with one butcher, one baker, and one candlestick maker. Now, consumers are spoiled for choice in what they can buy, how they pay for it, and where they shop. 

One reason consumers can enjoy this glut of choices is the advancements made in electronic point of sale (POS) systems. These systems have streamlined processes and made payment processing a breeze, benefiting both customers and businesses.  

The ease of payment processing offered by POS systems allows your customers to pay how they want. Paying using a mobile device has become increasingly popular as multiple companies such as Google, Apple, and Samsung have integrated payments into their offerings. 

In this blog, we’ll focus on Google Pay. We’ll explore Google Pay, find out how it works, and answer any questions you may have. By the end of this guide you'll be able to start accepting Google Pay at your business, and even learn how to make Google Pay transactions as a customer. Let's get started.

What is Google Pay? 

Google Pay is an online payment system and digital wallet that uses Android as its operating system. Google Pay works with almost any Android device including phones, watches, and tablets.

While Google Pay itself was launched in 2018, Google has been involved in the digital wallet and online payments space for a while. Google launched Google Wallet in 2011, and Android launched Android Pay in 2015. Both of these services have since been rolled into Google Pay. 

In addition to its primary function as a payment gateway, Google Pay also acts as a ticket holder. This allows users to store aeroplane tickets, public transportation passes, loyalty cards, and more in an easily accessible location. Apple Pay also offers this functionality. 

By accepting Google Pay in-store as a payment method, you’ll make things easier for your Android-using customers and in turn, improve your customer experience. Mobile device payments are quick and simple. They will keep your line moving and your customers happy.

Devices supported by Google Pay

Now that you have a decent understanding of what Google Pay is, let's talk about the compatible devices that you can use Google Pay with. Google Pay is compatible with most of modern Android devices across a large variety of manufacturers and form factors. Here's a more detailed outlook:

For cardholders

• In-store payments: To use Google Pay in stores, your Android device needs to have version 7.0 or higher (Nougat), NFC (Near Field Communication) capability, and HCE (Host Card Emulation) support.
• In-app purchases: For in-app purchases using Google Pay, you'll need to have version 7.0 or later.

For merchants

• In-store payments: Merchants can accept payments using Google Pay if they've got payment terminals that support NFC payments and the ISO 14443 standard. All Epos Now card machines are compatible with Google Pay, as well as other contactless payment credit card methods.
• In-app (using tokeins): Apps selling physical goods and services can be set up to accept Google Pay as a payment method.

How to set up Google Pay Wallet 

As a customer, you can save your credit or debit card on your Google Pay Wallet and use it in shops or  when making online purchases, here's how to set up your Google Pay wallet:

• Step 1: Download the Google Wallet app from the Play Store.
• Step 2: Open the Google Wallet app on your phone
• Step 3: Follow the setup instructions
  • If you're new to Google Wallet, you're going to be asked to add your card the first time that you open the app. You can scan a debit or credit card or just enter the details manually.
  • If you've previously added cards, tickets or passes to your wallet, they should just appear in your Google Wallet.
  • You may sometimes be asked to set up a screen lock on your Android phone, watch or tablet.
• Step 4: If you add more than one debit or credit card, then be sure to pick your preferred payment method as a default.

TIP: If you're planning on making contactless payments, be sure to check that your phone meets the software standards (check out our compatibility section above for more).

Why is accepting Google Pay important for your business? 

Offering Google Pay to your customers comes with so many benefits, including:

Contactless payments that speed up your transaction process 

Everyone wants quick transactions. According to Forrester and Visa, over half (51%) of the business owners stated they enabled fast transactions to help them maintain a competitive edge and address customer demand.

So where does Google Pay fit in here? Well, it offers contactless payment options that completely speed up transactions. All your customer have to do is tap their devices to complete purchases, making their overall checkout experience smoother and faster.

Secure mobile payments

Google Pay protects your customer's payment information with a number of security layers. Using one of the world’s most advanced security infrastructures, it helps keep your accounts safe. When shopping in stores, Google Pay doesn’t share your customer's actual card number, so your information stays secure. Instead, it generates a virtual account number, known as a token, which is used for the transaction.

How does Google Pay work for a business? 

In-person, Google Pay works in much the same way as a contactless payment credit card. Using near-field communication (NFC), users simply have to tap their mobile device on the top of the business’ payment terminal. While there is no card limit on Google Pay transactions, many countries have limits on how much one can spend on one transaction. 

Online payments using Google Pay are very simple. At checkout online, consumers select Google Pay as their preferred payment method and follow the prompts on the screen. As Google already knows the consumer’s card details, this method is as simple as unlocking your phone. 

Apple Pay for Android

Google Pay and Apple Pay are similar payment options. Both let their users to upload credit, debit, prepaid, and loyalty cards. They also both work with near-field communication (NFC) readers to complete contactless transactions.

However, there are some differences between Apple Pay and Google Pay. Firstly, the devices capable of accepting payment methods are different. Google Pay works on most NFC-enabled Android smartphones and watches, but it also offers a Google Pay app for the iPhone. On the other hand, Apple Pay limits the services offered only to Apple product users.

Another difference is that, with Google Pay, customers don’t have to use the Google Pay app to make payments. All they have to do is hold the device near a contactless payment reader, and it’s done. With Apple Pay, the customer must use some type of authentication or unified payments interface ID, such as fingerprint, facial ID or a password.

Google Pay merchant fees 

Now, onto what every business owner wants to know: is Google Pay free to use for merchants? The answer is yes!

Google Pay won't charge your customers anything. They just need their Google wallet and they're fine to pay via the debit card or credit card linked to their bank account and Google Pay account.

Google Pay also doesn't charge merchants anything, however, you will still have to pay the usual fees when you're processing credit card payments. So, you'll get a small fee from your credit card processor for every Google Pay transaction made with a credit card.

How to accept Google Pay with your POS system 

As a business owner, there are no real drawbacks when you offer Google Pay as a payment option. The more payment options you have available, the more appreciative your customers will be. Consumers love choice and the convenience offered by Google Pay and other device payment options. Here's how you can start accepting Google Pay with your POS system:

Set up your business to take Google payments

Before you can start accepting Google Pay, you’ll need to sign up for a Google Pay for Business account. Once you’ve signed into the account with your Gmail login, you’ll be prompted to enter your business details. Google will then verify your account by sending you a small-value transaction. 

Choose a payment processor that integrates with this payment method 

Choosing the right payment processor is absolutely crucial here because you need to have one that seamlessly integrates with Google Pay (and not all do).

Solutions like Epos Now Payments are your best bet here. With their integrated payment solutions and no hidden fees, Epos Now makes it easy to accept Google Pay alongside other payment methods (like Pay by Link and Apple Pay). Their service also integrates into your retail POS or hospitality POS system, giving you a comprehensive payment solution managed by one provider.

Set up your reader with a point-of-sale system for Google Pay 

Once you've sorted out your payment processor, it's time to set up your reader with your Epos Now POS system. Make sure everything is configured to accept Google Pay transactions. That means checking that your POS hardware, like card readers and terminals, supports NFC/contactless payments. Testing a few transactions is always a good idea to iron out any kinks and ensure smooth operation.

Google Pay for websites 

It is possible to accept Google Pay payments on your website, but the setup process is slightly more complicated. Your website must be able to add the Google application programming interface (API) and your store must be able to use a Google Pay-compatible payment gateway. Once you’ve installed both systems on your website, you can set up your online store in the same way as your POS.