What is Google Pay and how does it work?

More than likely, you’ve been presented with the option to check out using a digital payment method. Digital payments offer convenience and ease of use and are becoming more and more prominent. Wondering which digital payment method is best for you? One option to consider is Google Pay^TM. 

Google Pay is a simple, safe and helpful way to pay online and in stores with Google. Learn more about Google Pay, who it’s geared toward and how Capital One cardholders can add their cards to Google Pay in a few easy steps.

Key takeaways

• Google Pay is a digital payment system similar to Apple Pay®, Samsung Pay® and PayPal®.
• You can use Google Pay to pay in apps, on websites and in stores everywhere contactless payments are accepted.
• Capital One customers can add their credit and debit cards to Google Pay for easy, contactless purchases in stores.
• Eligible Capital One cardholders can also use virtual cards when they shop online using autofill on Google Chrome and in Android apps after adding their credit card to Google Pay.

Google Pay is a quick, easy and secure way to make seamless payments across all your compatible devices and in participating stores. Add your card details to Google Pay and they will be stored safely in your Google Account for a faster checkout experience on Chrome. You can also add your cards to your Google Wallet app and check out using Google Pay in stores everywhere contactless payments are accepted.

Capital One harnessed the unique opportunity to collaborate with Google to bring a new level of innovation to customers through virtual cards with Google Pay. Virtual credit card numbers are unique card numbers that customers can use when shopping online to check out quickly and more securely. Eligible customers can add their Capital One credit card to Google Pay and check out with virtual cards using autofill on Chrome browsers and in Android apps.

When you add your debit and/or credit card to Google Pay, you can use it to pay faster and more securely in stores and online, everywhere Google Pay is accepted—as long as your credit card issuer or bank supports Google Pay. 

Capital One customers who have an Android device can use the Capital One Mobile app or their online account to add their debit and credit cards to Google Pay. Simply access your Digital Wallet Manager, select “Google Pay” and follow the instructions on your screen to complete setup. Then, you can check out faster with your eligible Capital One cards and use virtual cards when shopping online with your credit card for added security. 

You could even be eligible to earn cash back rewards from merchants on purchases made using Google Pay, on top of the credit card rewards or loyalty programs you may already earn with your Capital One rewards cards. For example, you could earn rewards offered through Google Pay in addition to the cash back you already get from using your Savor or Quicksilver card, maximizing your rewards. 

Tip: You can use Google Pay to shop online using Chrome and to pay in stores on Android devices. Keep in mind that your device must meet certain security and operating system requirements to support Google Pay. 

Capital One credit card customers can take advantage of the convenience of Google Pay while enjoying the rewards—and security features—that come with their Capital One credit card by using virtual card numbers when they shop online with autofill. 

Start by adding your eligible Capital One credit cards to Google Pay. Then, you just need to shop online using your Chrome browser or Android apps. When you’re ready to check out, select the option to pay with a virtual card from the autofill dropdown menu. 

That means you don’t have to have your physical credit card on hand or use your actual credit card number to make a purchase using your mobile device or desktop browser. When you use a virtual card number, your actual credit card number is not shared with the merchant, which may help reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft.

Google Pay comes with comprehensive security protocols to help keep your account safe. These are also paired with security features from your card issuer: 

• You’ll need to unlock your phone with your password, fingerprint scan or facial recognition to make most purchases or payments with Google Pay.
• When you check out using a virtual card in autofill, Google Pay replaces your actual credit card number with a unique virtual card number, helping protect you against fraud.
• The Google Wallet app uses near-field communication (NFC) to transmit your account information when you pay in stores. NFC only works if your device is within a few inches of the payment terminal and can help prevent your information from getting stolen.

You can also use Google’s Find My Device to find, lock or erase your Android smartphone data if it’s lost or stolen. 

As with other digital payment options, there are both pros and cons to Google Pay.

From ease and convenience to cash back and security, there are many potential advantages of using Google Pay. For example:

• It offers eligible Capital One credit card customers a quicker way to check out with the added security of using a virtual card when shopping online on Chrome and in Android apps. 
• It’s quick to set up and link supported debit cards, credit cards and bank accounts. Capital One customers can add their cards easily within the Capital One Mobile app.
• Google Pay gives you the option to make purchases online, in apps and in stores everywhere that Google Pay is accepted. You can even link Google Pay to other Google apps, like Google Wallet, for more convenience.
• Google Pay has a comprehensive security infrastructure to help protect your account information.
• You may be able to earn additional rewards or cash back from Google on certain purchases.

There may be some potential disadvantages of Google Pay to consider. For instance: 

• You cannot add your credit cards or debit cards to Google Pay if your bank or financial institution doesn’t support contactless payments. 
• Your phone must meet certain security requirements to use Google Pay.
• In-store contactless payments may only be available to Android users whose phones have NFC capabilities.
• You can’t use Google Pay in stores unless the store accepts contactless payments and you have the Google Wallet app.

If you decide to use Google Pay, you can set it up across your compatible devices and connect your supported credit cards, debit cards and/or bank accounts. For Capital One customers, you can do this in the Capital One Mobile app or in the Google Pay app. Then, you can easily complete online payments and make contactless purchases everywhere Google Pay is accepted.

Take a closer look at some of the other ways you can use Google Pay: 

• To pay in stores: If you have an Android phone, you can use Google Pay to make contactless payments in participating stores. Keep an eye out for the Google Pay icon or the contactless payment symbol. Then, when you’re ready to pay, open the Google Wallet app, hold it near the reader and look for the check mark to know when your payment has been accepted. 
• To access tickets, loyalty cards and gift cards: You can store gift cards, loyalty cards and airline and event tickets in your Google Wallet app. You can also use Google Pay to pay for train and bus tickets before heading off for a big adventure or your daily commute.
• To make online or in-app purchases: Breeze through online or in-app purchases with Google Pay. You can use autofill or the “Buy with Google” button to fill in your payment info with a tap online. At checkout, simply choose your payment method and enter your billing and shipping information if prompted.

Google Pay is an easy, flexible way to make purchases online and in stores and send and receive money from people you know and trust. Capital One credit card customers can also take advantage of advanced security features, like the ability to use virtual cards when shopping online using autofill on Chrome and in Android apps, to help keep you and your account safer.

Ready to get started with Google Pay? Learn how you can add your Capital One card to Google Pay today to start making purchases.