The Official Launch of Google Pay

Today, Google is officially making the switch from Android Pay and Google Wallet to the all-inclusive Google Pay. The company announced plans to rebrand its mobile payment services last month. The new version of the app is now available for download in the Google Play store.

Existing Android Pay users can still enjoy all of their favorite features. The app stores debit cards, credit cards, gift cards and prepaid cards to use in stores and online. If you have a rewards card, money spent via Google Pay will still count toward your rewards accrual. Google is launching a new Cards tab within the app so users can quickly see all of their stored card info.

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The new Home tab displays recent purchases, rewards, and nearby stores that accept Google Pay. Google says it is “working on bringing Google Pay to all Google products,” providing a consistent platform on Chrome, Google Assistant, and everywhere else.

Google emphasized security with the new update. Google Pay does not give merchants your actual card information. Instead, Google provides an encrypted card number, and the original card data is stored safely within the mobile wallet. If you lose your phone, you can use Google’s Find My Device service to pinpoint its location or possibly lock or erase your phone data. You simply have to log into your Google account from another device and have your location setting activated on your phone.

Google Pay also stores transit cards in Kiev, Portland and London. This program will be expanding in the future and should be a time saver for commuters.

Additional features are coming soon. According to Google, “If you live in the U.S. or the UK, you’ll be able to use it to send and request money within the next few months.” A version of that service is currently available through Google Pay Send, formerly known as Google Wallet.