Google Wallet: the new and improved Google Pay in Australia

Apple vs Android is a debate that could wage on for all eternity, but the ability to use contactless pay is a privilege that is extended to all. If you’re an android user, your ability to pay without a physical credit card or debit card is often thanks to Google Wallet – formerly known as Google Pay, a contactless payment system that is available on compatible android devices.

Google Wallet is a contactless payment system with digital wallet capabilities, much like Apple Pay, but compatible with android phones and smartwatches. The digital wallet feature allows you to make contactless payments with your phone or smartwatch, and store multiple cards.

Your wallet will save the information of your cards, and allow you to tap-and-go on EFTPOS terminals in-store, or autofill your details for online purchases. It offers an even quicker payment than a debit or credit card, and provides a back-up if you leave your wallet or purse at home.

In July 2022, Google Pay became Google Wallet, including functionality to add digital products such as vaccine records, event and transit tickets, boarding passes, and loyalty and rewards cards.

Google Wallet is available to download from Google Play in Australia, having replaced Google Pay in July 2022. Some functionality is only available in the US so far, however, including digital car keys and drivers licence.

Google Wallet is available to download on Android devices such as Samsung phones, Google Pixel devices such as phones and tablets and LG android devices. It is also available on android smartwatch devices.

On your device, usually under Settings, you will be able to add a “card”. You then will enter your card information to the device where it will be saved in your digital wallet. Your device then connects to payment terminals like EFTPOS machines through your device's near-field communication chip. This is the same process as a physical card, or other contactless payment systems like Apple Pay.

For online purchases, your pre-stored card information can be automatically entered at checkout, depending on your saved security preferences on your phone.

You can use your Google Wallet to make payments at any retailer offering electronic payment systems (EFTPOS ), although it also will depend on whether your card carrier is accepted at the location. For example, if you bank with the Commonwealth Bank, you can use Google Pay anywhere they accept Commonwealth Bank debit or credit cards (that is, almost everywhere).

For online purchases, you can use Google Wallet the same way you would use your debit or credit card to make online purchases. As previously stated, your device can save this information and auto-fill the payment details at checkout, so it pays to be careful, especially if you share a computer or use a public one.

Contactless cash out for Google Wallet users will depend on who you bank with, and where you are trying to get cash out. Amongst some of Australia’s largest financial institutions:

• CBA – Commonwealth Bank of Australia also has its own ‘tap and pay’ capabilities through the CommBank App, which facilitates cardless withdrawals from participating ATMs. According to the CommBank Tap and Pay website, you can also choose from digital wallets – like Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay.
• NAB – According to NAB, you can only withdraw cash by inserting or tapping a physical card and entering your PIN.
• ANZ – According to ANZ, the Google Pay app will work at contactless enabled ANZ ATMs in Australia with an eligible ANZ Visa card.
• Westpac – According to Westpac, they offer cardless cash through their own digital wallet at Westpac ATM and branches.
• Suncorp – According to Suncorp at this stage, you can’t use Google Pay to make cash withdrawals. You’ll need to use your regular ATM card, as you usually would.

Remember, if you’re taking cash out using your credit card linked to your Google Wallet, you may still be charged a cash advance fee and a higher interest rate for this.

There is no limit to using Google Wallet. However, your bank or financial institution may have its own limits on digital payments, or contactless payments. Some terminals and EFTPOS machines may also require a PIN code when making contactless payments over a certain price.

You may also have daily limits on your account which can prevent you from making purchases over a certain amount. These limits are enforced by your bank, not Google Wallet, and can usually be changed in your banking app or in person at your local branch.

According to PayPal, you can link your account to Google Wallet to make purchases on apps like YouTube or the Google Play Store.

To add PayPal to Google Wallet, open the app, tap the Payments tab, and then select PayPal. You can also add PayPal payments directly when making purchases through the app.

To unlink, go to your PayPal Settings page, click ‘Payments’ near the top of the page. Then click 'View’, beside 'Manage automatic payments' and cancel the latest active billing agreement with Google.