Google ensures more convenience for smartphone users by providing access to Google Wallet. This mobile payment system stores debit and credit card information for online and in-store payments. The wallet is suitable for making payments on only those merchant websites with a ‘Google Wallet Buy‘ button. Users can make speedy and secured payments by tapping on any POS (point of sale) terminal like the Visa pay Wave and Mastercard Pay pass having an interface with NFC or Near Field Communication technology. Having understood what is Google wallet, let us explore its features and functions.
Google Wallet – Features and Functions
The wallet does much more than store users’ debit and credit card information allowing them to store gift cards and loyalty cards on smartphones. By using the Google Wallet app, users can redeem sales promotions. The wallet has robust security features for storing debit and credit card information with complete confidentiality of highly secured Google servers. It’s been more than a decade since the wallet’s launch in September 2011 that the wallet keeps enjoying users’ trust.
Security Features
Encryption, remote control, lock capabilities, and hidden account numbers are some of the notable security features of the Google wallet.
Encryption – Google maintains a high-security protocol for its wallet, an essential requirement for online payments. To secure online payments, Google uses encryption technology to mask data stored on servers and protect it from unwarranted access. During in-store payment, Google pays the merchant and processes the transaction using the user’s card details. It protects the payment card information by concealing it from the Android OS and merchants.
Remote Control – To protect the wallet from any misuse of the smartphone is lost or stolen, users can use the feature of remote control in the Google wallet app to deactivate the wallet remotely. Using the lost or stolen smartphone would disable the wallet from undertaking any further Transactions. Users Must Install The Wallet Afresh On Another Smartphone To Use It Again.
Locking Arrangement – To prevent unauthorized use of the wallet, users can set up a 4-digit PIN (personal identification number) exclusively for the wallet. Google provides a multi-layered security system for the wallet to ensure safe online transactions by preventing cyber criminals from penetrating the defense ring.
Hidden Account Numbers – Encryption allows the Google wallet app to mask the payment card account numbers and prevent unauthorized use. The numbers remain illegible during transactions except for the last four digits and are readable only by the system interface and no other external entities.
Attractive for Merchants Too
The convenience of receiving instant online payments is encouraging merchants toward Google wallet for businesses. As most buyers use Android smartphones, businesses can leverage the power of the wallet to attract more customers driven by the convenience of making hassle-free online payments.
Merchants must have an ISO 18092 or 14443 complaint POS for using Google wallet.
