G pay

Google Pay, formerly known as Android Pay, is a mobile payments service developed by Google. Launched in India in 2016, Google Pay provides a safe, secure and convenient way for users to make everyday payments using their Android smartphones. The app allows users to store digital versions of credit and debit cards, loyalty cards, and other items typically carried in a physical wallet.

Google Pay utilizes near-field communication (NFC) technology to enable contactless payments at point-of-sale terminals. Users can make in-store purchases by simply unlocking their phone and tapping it on a compatible payment terminal. For online and in-app purchases, Google Pay offers a "Buy with Google Pay" button for quick checkout without having to enter payment details each time. The service supports major credit and debit cards from banks and financial institutions in India.

In 2022, Google rebranded the app as Google Wallet in most regions, combining payment capabilities with other digital wallet features. However, the Google Pay branding is still used to refer to the act of making a payment through the service. Google Wallet can store items like transit passes, loyalty cards, and even digital versions of ID cards and car keys, aiming to be a complete substitute for a physical wallet.

Key customers and partnerships

Google Pay works with a wide range of banks and financial institutions in India, including Bank of America, Capitol One, Chase, Citi, and Wells Fargo. The service is supported by major card networks like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and RuPay.

In Australia, Google Pay has partnered with transit operators to support digital versions of passes, such as MYKI in Melbourne. The app also works with airlines like Virgin and Jetstar to store digital boarding passes. Google Pay has integrated with major loyalty programs in Australia, including Everyday Rewards and Flybuys. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Google helped millions of Australians store and display their digital vaccination status through the app.

Google Pay is available at numerous merchants and retailers across India that accept contactless payments. The open architecture of the Android ecosystem has enabled banks, device manufacturers and other companies to create their own digital wallet solutions using Google's platform, fostering innovation in the mobile payments space.