Google Pay is rolling out a number of updates that take advantage of its integrations with other Google products, such as Android and the Chrome browser. Starting Wednesday, people checking out with Google Pay will be able to see their card benefits and benefits before choosing a card, use “buy now, pay later” through partners like Affirm and Zip, and to fill in their card details via biometrics or PIN, instead of entering their security code.
The changes are designed to improve consumers’ experience using Google Pay and make it a more competitive option against other payment methods, including the developer’s or retailer’s integrated payment system, often supported by companies like Stripe, as well as payment services from other tech giants, such as Apple, Amazon and PayPal, for example.
One of the most exciting features out there now is the ability to see each of the card’s benefits and rewards before you make a choice. Google notes that consumers who have multiple credit cards with different benefits may not always remember which card is best to use when. Some cards offer perks related to travel, for example, while others may offer perks on dining or cash back. Now, when someone clicks the Card Number box to select a card from a list of saved payment methods, Google Pay will display related card benefits that come with each card.
This feature will initially support American Express and Capital One cards, but Google says it plans to expand to include more cards in the future. It also only works on Chrome desktop for now.
Another new feature is the introduction of ‘buy now pay later’ (BNPL) option at check out. Google started navigation this option earlier this year, but is now available on more merchant websites and Android apps in the US. The tech giant is partnering with BNPL companies for this offer, including Affirm and Zip. At checkout, Google Pay users can either sign in to their existing accounts with those providers or sign up for a provider from the checkout screen, he says.
Plus, Google makes it easy to confirm the card of choice without having to enter its security code — a number people often have to look up manually.
Instead, Google will let Chrome and Android users verify their card details the same way they unlock their Android devices. This means users will be able to verify their card with a fingerprint, face scan or screen lock PIN. Users will also be able to set up a device unlock that requires them to unlock their device before the card details are displayed. This feature is designed to keep the card information safe from others who may have access to the device.
The new features are now rolling out to Google Pay on the web and Android.
