If you’re a smartphone user, you’ve probably heard of Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Alipay. What exactly are they, and how do you use them? Can they even be used here in the Philippines?
Google Pay
It’s currently available in 31 countries, although the Philippines is not one of them. However, it can be expected to hit the local Play Store in the near future.
Google Pay is a digital wallet and payment system that you can download and use on your computers and mobile devices.
If you have used Google Wallet and Android Pay in the past, Google Pay is the unified version of those.
It offers the convenience of paying for your purchases online or at stores using your computer, mobile phone, or Wear OS watch.
How to Set Up Google Pay
Because it’s a digital wallet, you need to be connected to the internet to be able to use it. You should also have a Google account.
Google Pay can be downloaded from the Play Store. Sign in with your Google account and you can start adding your debit or credit cards.
There are two ways to do this: Take a photo of your card from your device’s camera and allow Google to add it for you, or simply type in your card details manually.
You may be prompted to verify your payment method, so just follow the steps for verification.
There’s also a small fee that will be charged to your card which will then be credited back to your account once it has been validated.
Currently, Google Pay accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Once it rolls out in the Philippines, you will have no problems linking your debit or credit cards from these card networks.
Your payment information in Google Pay will now be used for your purchases on different apps, websites, or stores.
Should you shop at your favorite store and pay with Google Pay, make sure that your mobile phone’s NFC is turned on. You can usually find this under Settings. Select NFC and then just activate it.
How to Pay with Google Pay
Paying with Google Pay is just like paying with your credit card.
But instead of waving, tapping, or swiping the card, you just put your phone close to the credit card terminal for several seconds. Phone and card terminal will wirelessly communicate and pay for your item.
You’ll know the transaction is successful when you see the blue tick on your phone. Depending on how much you’re paying, you may need to key in your PIN or sign a receipt.
Other Features of Google Pay
Aside from paying for purchases, did you know that you can also send money through Google Pay?
It works just like PayPal. Open your Gmail like you’ll be sending a normal email. Type in the recipient’s email address, your message (if you want to write something), and choose the $ or £ sign.
Enter how much you’ll be sending, select the payment method, and then click ‘Attach Money’.
Is Google Pay secure?
Even if it stores your card details, all payment information that are communicated to merchants are never your actual card numbers.
Google sends them a temporary number (Virtual Account Number) that is encrypted, ensuring that your information is protected.
If you ever lose your phone, you can simply log on to your computer and sign into your Google account. You can locate, lock, or reset your phone so that sensitive information cannot be accessed.
This is a really great feature, especially if you always lose things when you’re in a taxi or in a public place.
Apple Pay
Apple Pay is also a digital wallet service that allows you to make payments online, on your mobile apps, and in stores.
Like Google Pay, Apple Pay is not yet available in the Philippines. But with the number of Filipinos using iPhones here, it will be no surprise when it’s rolled out sooner rather than later.
In Asia-Pacific, it’s available in Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Kazakhstan, Australia, and mainland China.
You can set up Apple Pay on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch. You will also need to add your card details on every device.
How to Set Up Apple Pay
You will need an Apple Pay-eligible device, a credit or debit card from a participating card issuer, the latest OS version, and your Apple ID signed in to your iCloud.
On your iPhone, go to the Wallet app and tap the + sign to add your card.
Scan your card, making sure it’s right inside the frame. If you don’t want to scan it, you can enter the card details manually.
Tap Next for card verification. After successfully verifying, that’s it! You can now start paying with Apple Pay.
How to Pay with Apple Pay
If you’re going to use Apple Pay in-store, just double-click the side button on your iPhone, enter your passcode or use Face ID, and then place it close to the contactless reader.
After that, you should see the word ‘Done’, followed by a tick mark.
Do the same thing when using Apple Pay on your Apple Watch. You should feel a gentle tap when the transaction has been processed and see a check mark on the watch display.
Did you know that you can also send or request money straight from Messages, too? In a new or existing conversation in Messages, tap the App Store icon and then the Apple Pay icon.
Tap the plus or minus button to select an amount. You can also type in the specific amount straight away.
Tap ‘Pay’ and then send, after which you will authorize the payment with Touch ID or Face ID.
Do the same steps if you want to request payment from friends or family. Simply tap the ‘Request’ button instead of ‘Pay’.
Other Features of Apple Pay
You can even ask Siri to send and receive money for you.
Apple Pay can be used for web or app transactions and in-store payments. It’s also free to use, so you don’t need to worry about pricing plans or fees.
Is Apple Pay secure?
Just like Google Pay, Apple Pay uses a specific number and transaction code that’s unique only to your device.
Your debit or credit card numbers are never stored on your devices. There are no information stored in Apple servers as well.
Alipay
Alipay is available the Philippines, although it’s not as widely used as it is in China. It currently has limited functions here and caters mostly to Chinese tourists.
Alipay is a third-party online and mobile payment platform of the Alibaba Group. It’s a quick and convenient way to pay for purchases that provides safety and security for all your online transactions.
Alipay’s partner banks include the biggest banks in China, and it’s supported by the world’s leading card networks like Visa, Mastercard, and JCB.
How to Set Up Alipay
On the Alipay app, tap ‘Me’ and then Bank Cards. Tap ‘Add Cards’ and enter the required information. There’s a verification step that you need to do after you key in your mobile number.
When that’s done, you can then set a payment password, which is a 6-digit password for every payment that you will make through Alipay.
How to Pay with Alipay
Go to ‘Balance’ and then ‘Top Up’ if you want to transfer money from your card to your Alipay wallet. You can also withdraw from your Alipay balance to your bank card.
Need to transfer money to friends? Tap on ‘Transfer’ from your chat box and then scan your friend’s QR Code.
If you want to use Alipay for in-store payments, tap on ‘Pay’ and show your QR code to the cashier. They will key in the amount to be paid and scan your QR code, and the amount will be automatically deducted.
Need to receive money via Alipay? Tap on ‘Collect’ and your QR code will be displayed.
Other Features of Alipay
No more sending of individual messages to people to pay up because you can simply tap Go Dutch. Choose the people to collect money from and then ‘Initiate Collection’.
There are also transaction limits. You will be notified when you’ve reached your limit, protecting you from overspending or unauthorized transactions that will wipe out your balance.
You can pay credit card bills, bus and train tickets, rides, food orders, and mobile phone top-ups with Alipay, too.
Is Alipay secure?
Shopping with Alipay is safe because all your financial information are encrypted. You are guaranteed that your data is never passed on to other parties.
There’s also a dedicated team that monitors all transactions real-time, 24/7.
In the event of an unauthorized transaction, you can file a claim within 90 days and be fully compensated.
The future is indeed here. It’s amazing to think that you can now pay for everything using a mobile device.
Whether you choose Google Pay, Apple Pay, or Alipay, these digital wallets are all quick and convenient. They simplify your transactions and provide you with a secure way of shopping.