Credit cards with Google Pay

Google Pay is an app that can be downloaded for free from the Google Play store and installed on your smart device, such as your phone, watch, or fitness tracker. The app uses your device’s Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to interact with digital payment terminals in shops. It’s just like tapping to pay with your credit card or debit card, except you use your smart device rather than your plastic card.

You may also be offered the option to use Google Pay when shopping online. This may allow you to approve transactions with a fingerprint or a passcode, rather than filling in all of your credit card details at the checkout.  

Just like when shopping with a physical credit card, you may be able to earn rewards when making payments with Google Pay. If the card linked to your app has a rewards program, you should still earn the same points or similar rewards when using Google Pay as when using the card itself.

1. A Google account: If you don’t already have a Gmail address, or access to other Google products and services, you can set up a Google account from the Google homepage.
2. A credit card from a participating lender: If your current credit card isn’t compatible with Google Pay, you can apply for a card with your choice of lender. Keep in mind that your application’s success will depend on a range of factors, such as your income, expenses, and your credit score.
3. A compatible smart device: There are a wide variety of smart devices from an equally wide variety of brands to choose from, including Google’s own phones and watches, as well as other Android devices. It’s also possible to set up Google Pay on a compatible Apple phone or smart device. Keep in mind that some tech manufacturers offer their own contactless payment systems, such as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, which may be default options on certain devices.  

1. Open the Google Pay app
2. Take a photo of your card or enter your card details manually
3. Verify your card via text message or email
4. That’s it!

Making payments with Google Pay is just as secure as making contactless tap-and-go credit card payments, due to the similar technologies that are used.

Additionally, Google Pay has some extra security features:

• Encrypted virtual account number: Your card details aren’t stored on the phone or app with Google Pay. Rather than sending your card number with your payment, a separate number is used to represent your account details.
• App tracks transaction history: Whether you’re trying to digitally organise your budget, or to track down suspicious transactions, you can access the essential information all in one place.
• You can remotely lock your account: if your device is lost or stolen, you can access your Google Account to remotely lock your device, log out of your account, or erase your data.

When Google Pay was first launched in 2016, there were 28 financial institutions participating. Today, over 100 participating banks let you access Google Pay via your credit or debit card.  

Just some of these lenders include:

• American Express
• ANZ
• BankSA
• Bank of Melbourne
• Bank of Queensland
• Bankwest
• Bendigo Bank
• Commonwealth Bank
• G&C Mutual Bank
• Greater Bank
• Heritage Bank
• HSBC
• ING
• Macquarie Bank
• NAB
• St.George
• Suncorp
• Westpac

It’s important to compare credit card options from different lenders before deciding which ones to apply for. Different credit card interest rates, interest free days, rewards programs and other fees, charges, features and benefits may affect which card is the best choice for you and will also be compatible with Google Pay.