What are Pay Apps?
Pay apps, also known as mobile wallets or contactless payments, allow you to make purchases using your smartphone instead of swiping a physical card. The most popular pay apps are:
- Apple Pay - For iPhone and Apple Watch users
- Google Pay - For Android phone users (also works on iPhone)
These apps securely store your debit and credit card information. When you're ready to pay, you simply hold your phone near the payment terminal and authenticate with your fingerprint, face ID, or passcode. The payment is processed contactless without your physical card ever leaving your wallet.
Benefits of Using Pay Apps
There are several advantages to using Apple Pay or Google Pay instead of swiping your card:
- Faster checkouts
- Contactless payments process faster than inserting a chip card and waiting
- Speeds up the checkout line for you and other customers
- Enhanced security
- Your actual card number is never shared with the merchant
- Transactions use encrypted data that changes each time, making it nearly impossible for fraudsters to intercept
- Requires fingerprint, face ID or passcode authentication
- Convenience
- No need to carry all your physical cards - they're stored digitally in the app
- Can also save loyalty cards, gift cards, tickets and more in one place
- Easily pay in apps and on websites without having to enter your card info each time
- Contactless option
- Allows you to pay without physically touching buttons or handing over your card
- More hygienic, especially important during cold/flu season
While Apple Pay and Google Pay have many similarities, a few differences are:
- Apple Pay only works on Apple devices, while Google Pay works on both Android and iOS
- Google Pay supports more banks and cards overall
Apple Pay
Apple Pay allows you to make secure payments using your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad or Mac. It's a fast and convenient way to pay in stores, apps and online.
Setting Up Apple Pay
- Open the Wallet app on your iPhone
- Tap the "+" button and select "Debit or Credit Card"
- Use your iPhone camera to scan your HomePride Bank card or enter the details manually
- Your bank will verify your information and once approved, your card will be added to Apple Pay
Using Apple Pay
- In stores: Hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the contactless payment terminal. Authenticate the payment with Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode.
- In apps and websites: Select Apple Pay at checkout and confirm the payment with Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode.
Security
- Your actual card numbers are not stored on your device or Apple's servers
- Every transaction requires authentication with biometrics or your passcode
- If your device is lost or stolen, you can suspend Apple Pay remotely
Google Pay
Google Pay is a digital wallet that allows you to make purchases and send money using your Android phone or Wear OS watch.
Setting Up Google Pay
- Download the Google Pay app from the Google Play Store
- Open the app and sign in with your Google account
- Tap "Payment" and then "Add card"
- Scan your HomePride Bank card with your camera or enter the details manually
- Verify your payment method and you're ready to use Google Pay
Using Google Pay
- In stores: Unlock your phone and hold it near the contactless payment terminal. Your default card will be charged.
- In apps and websites: Select "Buy with Google Pay" or the Google Pay button at checkout. Confirm the purchase.
- Sending money: In the Google Pay app, tap "Send", choose a recipient, enter the amount and send.
Security
- Google Pay doesn't share your actual card number with merchants, so your information stays secure
- You must unlock your device for every purchase, protecting you if your phone is lost or stolen
By setting up Apple Pay or Google Pay with your HomePride Bank cards, you can enjoy the convenience and security of making digital payments with your smartphone or connected device. Look for the Apple Pay, Google Pay or contactless payment symbols at checkout to pay with just a tap.
