Apple Pay and Google Pay (2024)

FAQs

Apple Pay and Google Pay? ›

Apple Pay and Google Wallet are widely accepted mobile payment systems; both also include a digital wallet, despite the difference in their names. Apple Pay and Google Wallet are similar in what they can do. Apple may be easier to use, but Google has more features, including Google Pay, its mobile payment app.

Whereas Apple Pay is only available on the iPhone, Google Wallet can be used on a number of different devices, making it the clear winner for anyone who prefers an Android to an iPhone. Where Google Wallet loses points is security.

Both allow users to upload credit card details into their mobile devices. Both use a form of tokenization to hide personal account numbers (PANs) during transactions. Both use near field communication (NFC), allowing shoppers to make purchases without physically touching merchants' payment terminals.

Google Pay: Where are they accepted? Apple Pay and Google Pay are both usually accepted wherever contactless payments are supported. This can include shopping online or in apps, in stores, and when making ATM withdrawals from ATMs that support contactless technology.

Apple Pay is an independent Online Payment System, and like other systems, it's a closed system which means that it only allows users to send payments within the system or supported vendors. Other than that, you can't send payments to other online payment systems such as Google Pay or others.

Cons of Google Pay

Not available in every region, and not all businesses accept it. Not compatible with iOS devices (Apple users can use Apple Pay instead). Only works if your phone does, so you should carry a physical card as a backup in case your battery dies.

Cons of Apple Pay

Apple Pay is not accepted at all retailers and not compatible with all banks or card issuers. Backup may be required, just in case. Apple Pay only works if your phone does. You may still need to carry a physical credit card as a backup in case your battery dies or you misplace your phone.

Google Pay won't charge you a fee when you use your phone or other smart device to tap and pay, or to make a payment online. However, that doesn't necessarily mean your purchases will come with zero fees — as your own card issuer might have charges you need to take into consideration.

Does it cost extra to use Apple Pay? No. Apple does not charge any fees when you pay with Apple Pay — in stores, online, or in apps. And Apple doesn't charge interest or fees when you use Apple Pay Later.

Get the Google Pay app

Download Google Pay on phones running iOS 10.0 or higher.

Does Walmart accept Google or Apple Pay? ›

No, Walmart does not accept Apple Pay in any of its stores. This includes all in-store purchases, whether you're shopping for groceries, electronics, or other items. Customers are encouraged to use Walmart Pay or other accepted payment methods such as credit/debit cards, cash, or gift cards.

Make digital payments with Google Wallet

In fact, according to a recent Forbes Advisor study, 53% of people use digital wallets more often than traditional payment methods. Contactless payments are not only convenient, they're also more secure than swiping your card.

Brief history

Apple Pay was introduced in late 2014, and Google Pay launched in 2018, replacing Google Wallet, which made its debut in 2011.

Apple Pay: Apple doesn't store any card info. It passes the card info to the bank. Bank returns a token called DAN (device account number) to the iPhone. iPhone then stores DAN into a special hardware chip. Google Pay: When you register the credit card with Google Pay, the card info is stored in the Google server.

Google Wallet is not compatible with Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, you will have to add the cards manually on your iDevice.

How safe is Google Pay? Google Pay protects your payment info with multiple layers of security, using one of the world's most advanced security infrastructures to help keep your account safe. When you pay in stores, Google Pay doesn't share your actual card number, so your information stays secure.

With safety at heart

Google Pay will never sell your personal information or transaction history. Google Pay offers built-in security, like fraud alerts and encryption, when paying online. Google Pay lets you choose your preferred privacy settings.

Apple Pay is designed with your security and privacy in mind, making it a simpler and more secure way to pay than using your physical credit, debit, and prepaid cards. Apple Pay uses security features built-in to the hardware and software of your device to help protect your transactions.