After Apple and Samsung, it’s Google – ending all speculations with the company which finally announced Android Pay. It will roll out starting today. Now with the newly launched Android Pay, you will be able to pay in a very secure way with your android smartphone across all over the US in a million locations. With this service, you will also be able to store gift cards, loyalty cards, and all the special offers right on your smartphone.
Users with their NFC-enabled Android device running on 4.4 KitKat or later versions can use this service. It supports credit and debit cards from the four major payment networks – American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa issued by popular US banks and credit unions, including American Express, Bank of America, Discover, Navy Federal Credit Union, PNC, Regions Bank, USA, and U.S. Bank. Google announced more payment options and banks would be available in the coming days.
Currently, over one million retailers, restaurants, and some of the most popular brands like Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Subway, and others are already accepting Android Pay. In the coming days, more business entities will join Android Pay, and more features will be added – in selected merchants, you will be able to transmit your loyalty cards and special offers with just a single tap.
Security has always been a major concern for Android users- to secure your transaction, Google will use standard tokenization system which will give you an extra layer of security. When you are making a purchase, instead of sending your actual credit and debit card information Google will send a virtual account number every time. Another important feature is that you can lock your device through the Android Device Manager if it is lost or stolen.
Another advantage of using Android Pay is that if you are an existing Google Wallet, the user can update your Google Wallet app to access Android Pay. In the next few days, Android Pay will be available in the Play Store for download, and users of NFC-enabled Android phones from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless will get preinstalled apps on their devices.
