How to Use Google Pay for In-Store Purchases: A Step-by-Step Guide

Using Google Pay for your purchases can be incredibly convenient, but the first time can feel a bit intimidating. This guide will walk you through the easy, step-by-step process of using Google Pay in a store.

Setting Up Google Pay

Before you head out, make sure you have your cards set up in your Google Wallet app:

1. Open Google Wallet: This is the app you’ll use to manage your payment cards.
2. Add Your Cards: Ensure your desired cards are set up in the app. If you need help adding a card, check out my other video on how to add a card to Google Wallet. I’ll leave the link right up here for you.

Finding Stores That Accept Google Pay

In 2023, most stores accept Google Pay, but there are a few major exceptions:

• Walmart: Only accepts their own Walmart Pay app.
• Sam's Club: Uses a special Sam's Club app.
• Lowe's and Home Depot: Do not accept any digital payments, only physical cards.
• Kroger: Now accepts Google Pay and Apple Pay as of April 2023.

Using Google Pay Without Internet

You do not need an internet connection to use Google Pay. It works without mobile internet or Wi-Fi.

Making a Payment with Google Pay

When you’re ready to check out at a store:

1. Select Payment Method: At checkout, select the option to pay with a credit or debit card. There may not be a separate option for Google Pay.
2. Open Google Wallet: Pull up the Google Wallet app on your phone. It will open to your default card, but you can scroll through to select a different one if needed.
3. Look for the NFC Symbol: Ensure the NFC symbol is visible at the top of your phone screen. This indicates it’s ready to pay.
4. Hold Your Phone Near the Payment Terminal: For most machines, hold the phone near the center of the screen. Some machines may have the NFC sensor off to the side. The NFC symbol looks like a sideways Wi-Fi symbol. Some terminals have four green dots; hold your phone near these dots until they light up.
5. Confirm Payment: Your phone will show a big check mark and vibrate to confirm that the payment went through.

Next Steps

Now you know how to use Google Pay for in-store purchases. To learn how to use Google Pay to withdraw cash from an ATM, check out my next video. I'll leave that link right here for you.