Google Pay is an accelerated checkout option that lets customers pay in seconds using saved payment and shipping details. Digital wallets now account for more than half of global ecommerce transaction value—56% in 2025, according to Worldpay’s Global Payments Report—and that share is still growing. Google Pay is one of the most used.
Checkout is one of the biggest friction points in ecommerce, and one of the biggest drivers of lost revenue. According to the Baymard Institute, about 70% of online shopping carts are abandoned. Among the top reasons: 19% of shoppers dropped off because they had to create an account, and 18% because the checkout was too long or complicated.
Read on to learn exactly what Google Pay is, how it compares to other checkout options, and how to start accepting it on your online store.
What is Google Pay?
Google Pay is a payment method run by Google LLC that lets customers make secure, contactless payments online, in apps, and in stores. It works on Android devices and through supported desktop browsers like Chrome, using payment information stored in Google Wallet, where users save credit cards, debit cards, loyalty cards, passes, and more.
Once a debit card or credit card is added to your Google Wallet app, customers can use Google Pay at checkout without entering details each time. On Android devices, Google Pay also serves as the default payment app for tap-to-pay contactless payments using near-field communication (NFC) technology. It works across phones, tablets, Wear OS watches, and Fitbit devices, and is available in many countries, including the US, Canada, India, the UK, Australia, and much of Europe.
Google Pay vs. Google Wallet
Google Pay and Google Wallet are related but serve different functions.
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Google Wallet. A digital wallet app that stores payment cards, loyalty cards, passes, tickets, keys, and IDs. Customers can download Google Wallet from the Play Store on a compatible Android device.
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Google Pay. The payment method used to complete transactions online, in apps, and through contactless payments.
In short, Google Wallet stores payment details; Google Pay is what’s used at checkout. Some merchants use the terms interchangeably. The standalone Google Pay app in the US was discontinued in 2024, and Google Wallet is now the primary wallet app for consumers in the US and Canada.
Google Pay vs. other payment options
Google Pay is one of several checkout options, and each tends to match a different device ecosystem or customer preference. For most merchants, it’s not about choosing one over the others; it’s about offering the right mix to reduce friction for different types of users.
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Shop Pay. Shopify’s one-tap accelerated checkout saves your customers’ information, eliminating the need for manual entry. Merchants can get Shop Pay for free by setting up Shopify Payments on their stores. Shop Pay boosts conversion across channels, including your online store, in the Shop App, Facebook, Instagram, and Google. An external study found that Shop Pay lifts conversions by up to 50% relative to guest checkout, and outpaces other accelerated checkouts by at least 10%.
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Apple Pay.Apple Pay provides Apple users with a fast payment method for in-store, in-app, and online purchases. It pairs well with Google Pay as another fast checkout option.
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Samsung Wallet.Samsung Wallet combines Samsung Pay with a wallet app for storing cards, passes, and credentials. It’s primarily for customers on supported Samsung devices.
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PayPal.PayPal is an online payment system that lets customers pay with linked debit and credit cards, bank accounts, or stored balances—appealing to those who prefer logging into an account over using a device-based wallet.
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Venmo.Venmo is primarily used in the US and offers more limited support for merchants. Businesses can accept Venmo through approved profiles and some checkout flows, including PayPal integrations.
How Google Pay works
To accept Google Pay, the retailer enables it through a supported payment processor. Availability may vary by provider, region, and supported card networks. On Shopify, for example, you can use Shopify Payments in most regions or choose a compatible third-party provider.
Once set up, Google Pay appears as an accelerated checkout option for customers on supported devices. When a customer selects Google Pay, the transaction pulls from their saved payment and shipping details, speeding up the purchase. Customers authenticate to complete the payment—though this may happen automatically if the device is already unlocked or recently verified. In some cases, they’re prompted to confirm with a fingerprint, PIN, or face unlock.
For in-store contactless payments, Google Pay uses NFC—short-range wireless technology that lets customers tap their phone to complete transactions.
Google Pay security features
Google Pay protects payment data at both the device and transaction level, so full card details are never exposed. Key features include:
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Tokenization.Tokenization replaces your card number with a random code, so your real details are never shared.
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Transaction cryptograms. Each transaction includes a unique cryptogram—a one-time security code—for added security.
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Device authentication. Customers may use a fingerprint, PIN, or face unlock before completing a payment.
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Screen lock requirements. Devices must have security features, such as a screen lock enabled.
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Remote protection. Google account tools can help secure or erase data if a device is lost. For example, if a phone is lost, users can lock or erase their Google account remotely to protect payment data.
Benefits of accepting Google Pay
Checkout friction—the result of long or complicated forms and manual data entry—is a common reason shoppers abandon purchases. Here’s how accepting Google Pay can make checkout smoother:
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Fewer fields. Payment and shipping details are pre-filled, so customers don’t need to enter details manually. This is particularly valuable on small screens, where lengthy forms are a bigger barrier.
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Faster transactions. Customers can complete payments with a few taps instead of typing.
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Android-native. Google Pay is built into many Android devices and works with Google Wallet.
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Strong security. Tokenization and device authentication help protect payment data.
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Familiar payment experience.With 48.6 million Google Wallet users and counting, Google Pay is often familiar to those who have it installed on their phones or other devices.
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Flexible option. Customers can shop online, pay in-app, or tap to pay in store, all with the same saved details.
How to start accepting Google Pay
If you use Shopify, setting up Google Pay involves a few simple steps—and there are no additional fees beyond your standard payment processing rates:
1. In your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Payments.
2. Enable Shopify Payments or confirm your payment provider—such as Stripe or Adyen—supports Google Pay.
3. Make sure accelerated checkouts are enabled—Google Pay will appear automatically for eligible customers.
4. Test checkout using a supported browser (like Chrome) or an Android device with Google Pay set up.
5. Offer Google Pay along with other payment methods, like Shop Pay and Apple Pay.
Google Pay FAQ
How does Google Pay work for merchants?
For merchants, Google Pay works by integrating with your payment provider and offering customers a faster checkout option using saved payment data. If you’re on Shopify, you can usually turn it on right in your Shopify Payments settings or through most major third-party gateways.
Which merchants accept Google Pay?
Any merchant can accept Google Pay as long as their payment processor supports it. It works for online stores, mobile apps, and in-person shops, though availability varies by region and the card networks you use.
How do you set up Google Pay as a merchant?
Set up Google Pay by enabling Shopify Payments or another compatible provider. Once set up, Google Pay will be available as a checkout option for eligible customers.
