The time has come for Android users to finally rejoice. It has been almost a year since Apple Pay debuted, but now Google is working on its version of the mobile payment system, which is referred to as ‘Android Pay’ for now. Based on Android’s own official blog, the new payment system is expected to be released in a couple of weeks or so. But it will be restricted to devices with NFC capabilities while running on KitKat 4.4 or a great operating system.
Android Pay seems to be no different than Apple Pay, and it will allow users to shop and make purchases without having to resort to using credit cards or paying by cash. They can instead simply pay for anything and everything they want using their phone, which actually means you may never need to pull out your wallet ever again. That being said, it is worth noting Android’s own version of the payment system may be similar to Apple’s, but it will come with its own features that are unique and will make your life easier.
How Will Android Pay Work?
After you have entered the necessary information for each card you own into your Android Pay app, you can visit any store with an NFC terminal and pay for purchases you make by unlocking your phone and placing it near the terminal. Essentially, you do not need to open a separate app for it to work. What is really interesting is there are over a million stores in the US that are already equipped with NFC and are willing to accept Android Pay. But that is not all, as there are several stores that will award you special offers and loyalty points for completing a transaction using Android Pay.It is worth noting that in-store payments will be rolled out almost immediately. However, it will take some time before users will be given the ability to make app payments as well. As soon as the feature is made available, using it will be as simple as choosing the ‘Buy with Android Pay’ option when using apps and when you need to make a purchase. It goes without saying Android Pay will support debit and credit cards from Discover, American Express, Visa, and MasterCard. It is also expected to support several other banks in the US which include Bank of America, US Bank, American Express, PNC, Citi, Capital One and Wells Fargo.
Release Date
Based on the information provided on Android’s blog, the app is slated to be released in the near future. This was stated on the 10th of September, but the app will not come equipped with all features immediately. Some state in a week or so, users with KitKat-powered devices will be able to download and use the app. For those who have been using the Google Wallet app, they can access the Android Pay app via an update that will be released to take over the Google Wallet app.But for those who have not used the Google Wallet app, they can simply download it from the Google Play store and wait for the Android Pay app to be made available. NFC-enabled devices in the future will come with the Android Pay app preinstalled regardless of the carrier it is being bought from.
Security
Now, the real problem here for most users is to determine whether the app is secure to use in the first place. Fortunately, Android has clarified itself by stating your credit and debit card information is not actually sent when you complete a transaction. The Android Pay app depends on a virtual account number which is created instantly when you set up your Android Pay app. This virtual account number represents your credit and debit card information which means all your information is safe and secure.Android also promises to offer a payment confirmation every time you make a purchase. This way, you can not only see when the transaction took place but where along with details, like the Merchant’s number and name. This will essentially allow you to identify and report any suspicious activity. Another great feature is the app’s integration with the phone’s Android Device Manager. The feature will lock your phone immediately and protect it with a new password. If the situation demands, all your personal information will be deleted to prevent it from being misused if your phone is stolen or lost.
Keeping the aforementioned factors in mind, you will realize Android is not willing to let Apple take the lead when it comes to being innovative. They have ensured they not only meet user’s expectations but exceed them. Rest assured, Android Pay can prove to be a game-changer and could allow Android to capture a larger target audience. Creditcards.org is a credit card comparison site. We have been providing our customers with the best credit card offers available since 2010. If you are looking for a new credit card, visit us here.
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