Paying with your mobile phone has become one of the most convenient and fastest ways to make purchases in physical stores. Thanks to technology NFC (Near Field Communication), for its acronym in English) and applications such as Google Wallet or Samsung Pay, today it is possible to leave your wallet at home and pay by simply holding your phone close to the card reader. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know to start paying with your Android phone and the different tools you can use to do so.
In addition, for those who still have doubts about the security of this payment method, we will break down the most advanced mechanisms that protect your data when it comes to make transactions with your mobile phoneSo if you're wondering how all this works and if it's safe, read on as we explain it to you step by step.
What do I need to pay with an Android phone?
In order to be able to pay with your Android mobile in any store, there is one essential requirement: your smartphone must have an integrated NFC chip. This chip is responsible for establishing communication between the phone and the point of sale terminal (POS) where the payment is made. If you're sure you have a modern mid-range or high-end mobile phone, it most likely already has NFC.
In case you are not clear, you can Find the NFC button in your device's notification panel or go to settings and use the search engine to find this option. If it appears and you can activate it, you are ready to pay with your mobile. If your device does not have this chip, unfortunately you will not be able to use contactless payment, but don't worry, there are other mobile payment alternatives that we will discuss later.
Mobile payment applications
Once you've made sure your phone has NFC, the next step is to set up a payment app that allows you to use the device as if it were a bank card. On Android, there are several options available, the most popular being: Google Wallet and Samsung PayBoth allow you to register your debit or credit cards and pay quickly and securely.
Google Wallet
Google Wallet is the most common app on Android devices and is available for download on the Play Store. This app allows not only Add your credit or debit card, but also others such as transportation or loyalty cards, which is very useful to have everything in one place. The process to add a card is quite simple:
- Open the Google Wallet app and select “Add card.”
- Enter your card details manually or scan it with your mobile phone camera.
- Check the card, usually with a code that you will receive via SMS from your bank.
Once set up, you can pay at any store that accepts contactless payments using Google Wallet. Simply unlock your phone, select the card in the app, and hold it up to the card reader.
Samsung Pay
If you have a Samsung mobile, one of the best options you can use is Samsung Pay. This application It works similarly to Google Wallet, but it comes with some additional features like a rewards program for using the app. To set it up:
- Open Samsung Pay and sign up with your samsung account.
- Add your credit or debit card manually or by scanning it.
- Verify your card and you're ready to pay.
As with Google Wallet, you will simply have to bring your mobile closer to the POS to make the payment, but Samsung Pay also allows you to pay with some smart watches of the brand, which is even more convenient.
Secure mobile payments: myths and realities
One of the things that people are most concerned about when it comes to paying with their mobile is security. Is it safe to pay with your mobile? The short answer is yes, and in some cases it can even be safer than traditional contactless cards.
When paying with your mobile phone, you should always unlock the device screen, either by using a PIN, fingerprint or facial recognitionThis adds an extra layer of security, as a thief would not be able to use your phone without knowing your PIN or having access to your fingerprint.
Additionally, both Google Wallet and Samsung Pay use tokenization technology, which means your actual card information is never shared with the merchant. Instead, a unique number (token) is generated for each transaction, so sensitive data remains hidden and protected.
What to do if the robot is lost?
If you lose your phone or it is stolen, it is essential that you act quickly. The first thing you should do is contact your bank to block cards associated with payment apps. In many cases, you can also disable mobile payment features through Google or Samsung platforms from any other device.
And remember that you always have the same legal protections as with a physical card. Banks establish a limit of liability of 50 euros in case of fraudulent use before the loss or theft is reported, so you will be protected against misuse.
Alternatives to NFC payments
If your mobile does not have NFC or you simply prefer to use another method, there are also options such as BizumThese applications allow instant payments between individuals or even in some businesses, all without the need for bring your mobile phone close to a POS terminal.
Bizum It will work from your bank's app and allows you to send money directly to a phone number. It is perfect for those cases in which they do not accept card payments but do accept them via this method.