How to use Google Wallet: A step by step guide

Google Pay and Google Wallet make it simple to make contactless mobile payments. You can waltz into most stores and pay anything using your NFC-enabled smartphone, or even a Wear OS smartwatch. You can even add other things, such as transit passes, loyalty cards, gift cards, and more.

One important thing to keep in mind is that the Google Pay app is no longer available in the US. Instead, you will need to use Google Wallet. Because, you know, things weren’t confusing enough already. Either way, we will show you how to use Android Pay/Google Wallet here!

Editor’s note: These steps were assembled using a Google Pixel 8a running Android 16. Some steps may differ depending on your device and the software version it runs.

Google Wallet Requirements

First things first: every service has some limitations. Here they are.

Google Pay requirements:

• You need to be 16 years of age or older. If you are under 18, your parents need to grant permission.
• You’ll need a Google account.
• If you want to use contactless payments, your phone needs to support it and have NFC.
• Your device should be running Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher, too. But if you want to add, cards, passes, and make contactless payments, you will need at least Nougat 7.0.
• A participating debit or credit card is required for payments.
• You will also need the Google Play Services and Google Wallet apps. Outside the US, you may still be able to use the Google Pay app.

What banks and countries are supported?

Google Wallet supports over 4,000 banks in the US (I’m impressed we even have so many banks?!). This includes big players like Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, and tons of smaller ones. We obviously won’t mention them all in this post, but you can head to Google’s support page to see the entire list.

In addition to the US, you can use Google Pay in many other countries. New territories are constantly added, so check the most recent list of supported banks for each region on the same support page linked in the previous paragraph.

How to set up Google Wallet

The process is a breeze. You don’t even need to set up Google Wallet, really. Most Android phones already come with the app pre-installed. If yours doesn’t, head over to the Google Play Store and download the Google Wallet app.

Launch Google Wallet. You may be asked to give the app some permissions. The app will use your Google account to sign you in. Tap on View Wallet and you’re in!

How to add a debit or credit card

Adding a debit or credit card is the easiest way to get started with payments, whether using the service online or physically in a store. Get your account ready for payments before you go out there to show off your contactless payment abilities!

1. Open the Google Wallet app.
2. Tap on the Add to Wallet option, in the bottom-right corner.
3. Select Payment card.
4. Hit New credit or debit card.
5. Either scan your card using the camera, or select Or enter details manually.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions.

How to add loyalty, gift, or transit cards

Once you’ve added a credit or debit card, you’ll find that adding all other types of cards is pretty simple. Here’s how to add them.

1. Launch Google Wallet.
2. Tap on Add to Wallet.
3. Select either Transit pass, Loyalty card, Gift card, or Photo.
4. Follow instructions to finish adding your card of choice.

How to use Google Pay contactless payments

Are you ready to start making contactless payments using Google Pay? Let’s find out. There is actually a built-in tool for checking if everything is ready for you to start paying for things the modern way.

How to check if you can make contactless payments:

1. Launch the Google Wallet app.
2. Tap on your profile icon, in the top-right corner.
3. Select Payment setup.
4. You will be displayed a list of actions that need to be taken for you to make contactless payments. If all have a blue checkmark next to them, you’re ready. Otherwise, you will get instructions on what to do.

How to make contactless payments using Google Wallet:

1. Unlock your phone and make sure NFC is turned on.
2. Hold the back of your device close to the payment terminal for a few seconds.
3. Wait until the payment is completed — a blue checkmark will appear on your screen when it is.
4. If required, enter your PIN code or sign the receipt.

You can also use it in apps like Uber and Airbnb or online shopping. If the merchant accepts this payment method, tap the Google Pay purchase button at checkout to use it.

Google Wallet vs. the competition

Samsung Wallet and Apple Pay are Google Pay’s biggest rivals. Apple Pay is more common and widely used; it also works great. However, its availability on only Apple devices limits its reach. The same applies to Samsung Wallet, which is exclusive to Samsung devices. The good thing about Google Pay or Google Wallet is that it works with any modern Android device. Otherwise, all main payment systems should work similarly. They all accept major banks and credit cards, and will work on any contactless payment POS.

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