Cover image

Who Accepts Google Pay? Places to Keep in Mind

Živile Šarkauskaite

Written by

Živile Šarkauskaite

September 29, 2023

Today, more and more people use contactless payments and various mobile wallet payments to pay for their purchases. Services like Google Pay have become so popular that a physical credit or debit card now looks outdated. However, when you think about it practically, who can accept Google Pay?

Well, there is a quite straightforward answer. Google Pay requires merchants to have a credit card reader that supports near-field communication (NFC).

Therefore, if you add your bank card to your Google Pay account, you can spend your money at any location where contactless mobile payments are accepted.

However, when it comes to online payments, Google Pay may not be available. Nevertheless, you can always check if the online shop provides Google Pay as one of the payment methods.

How to find stores that accept Google Pay

Sometimes, when traveling or in other circumstances, you can find yourself wondering if nearby stores or that particular restaurant accepts Google Pay. Well, there is a way to find it out before you step inside.

To do so, first, launch the Google Pay app on your smartphone. Scroll down until you find Use Google Pay Nearby and select it. Now, you should see every place near you that accepts payments using a Google wallet.

Furthermore, click the See More button to explore even more options for nearby businesses.

Brands that accept Google Pay

Even though you can find all stores and various lifestyle brands that accept Google Pay service, here is a thorough list of places where you can use Google Pay.

Grocery stores

Here is a list of grocery stores that accept this payment option:

  • ALDI
  • BevMo!
  • Costco
  • CVS Pharmacy
  • Harvey’s Supermarket
  • Shop ‘n Save
  • Sprouts
  • Trader Joe’s
  • Whole Foods

Fashion brands

Many fashion brands accept payments made with Google Pay. Here are some of them:

  • Adidas
  • American Eagle Outfitters
  • Anthropologie
  • Barney’s New York
  • Bed, Bath & Beyond
  • Big Lots
  • Crate & Barrel
  • Forever 21
  • GAP
  • JC Penney
  • J. Crew
  • KOHL’S
  • Levi’s
  • Macy’s
  • Old Navy
  • Nike
  • Sephora
  • Ulta Beauty

Restaurants

Here are some of the restaurants that you can visit and use your Google Pay:

  • Auntie Anne’s
  • Baskin Robbins
  • Burger King
  • Chick-fil-A
  • Dunkin’ Donuts
  • Jamba Juice
  • Jimmy John’s
  • KFC
  • McDonald’s
  • Panera Bread
  • Pizza Hut
  • Starbucks
  • Subway
  • White Castle

Retail

This is a list of some retailers that accept Google Pay:

  • Best Buy
  • Disney Store
  • GameStop
  • Office Max
  • Staples
  • Target
  • Walgreens

Gas stations

If you’re looking for gas stations you can use Google Pay, here is your answer:

  • 76
  • Conoco
  • Exxon
  • Mobil
  • Phillips 66
  • Shell

Websites and apps

Several websites and apps have Google Pay as their payment option. This is only a small part of the main ones:

  • 1-800-flowers
  • Airbnb
  • Caviar
  • DoorDash
  • Etsy
  • Fandango
  • Groupon
  • Hotel Tonight
  • Houzz
  • Instacart
  • Kayak
  • Postmates
  • Redbox
  • Starbucks
  • Wish

Note, that you can always find the one you’re looking for by using Google Pay nearby.

Banks that accept Google Pay

It may be a surprise, but a wide variety of financial institutions are keeping up with the newest trends by being compatible with Google Pay. Bank of America, Citi, PNC, TD Bank, and Wells Fargo are some of them.

You can always look up a full list of banks that accept this payment method on The Google Pay website.

Using Google Pay app: A guide

Google Pay is a Google wallet, an NFC mobile payment app, developed by Google that competes with Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. Here’s a quick rundown on how to put it to use.

📚Related: Samsung Pay vs Google Pay

How to set up Google Pay?

Setting up Google Pay on your Android device is not rocket science. Here are the steps you need to take:

  1. Download the Google Pay app from the Google Play Store.
  2. Open the app and choose Get Started.
  3. Select the Connect to Gmail option and grant location access if prompted.
  4. Navigate to the “Payment” tab at the bottom of the app and select Add Payment Method.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to add your debit or credit card.
  6. Verify your card when prompted.

For businesses looking to accept Google Pay, consider ordering the Square contactless and chip reader. It seamlessly integrates with your Android device for straightforward setup. Learn more about enabling NFC contactless payments for your store.

How to use Google Pay?

To make a quick and secure payment using Google Pay at a compatible store, follow these steps:

  1. Unlock your phone, ensuring it has a secure lock screen.
  2. Open your digital wallet app.
  3. Hover or tap your device over the card reader or NFC terminal.
  4. Wait for the payment confirmation to appear on the main screen.

Within a few moments, you’ll be able to complete your order.

Apple Pay and Google Pay: Which is better?

The winner of the Apple Pay vs. Google Pay debate mainly depends on the user’s preferences.

You may choose the Apple Pay method if you use an iPhone device because of the convenience and safety it provides within the larger Apple ecosystem. Moreover, many places like Starbucks, Target, Apple Store, Adidas, etc., accept Apple Pay.

On the other hand, the Google Pay method is specifically for Android users. It offers a comparable level of simplicity and safety while also being integrated into the Google ecosystem.

You are able to add credit and debit cards, make contactless payments, and take advantage of the ease of digital wallets across both platforms. Whether Apple Pay or Google Pay is best for you depends on the type of device and digital ecosystem you prefer.

FAQ

Does Walmart accept Google Pay?

Unfortunately, Walmart does not accept mobile payments via Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or any other service. The retailer exclusively uses its payment system, Walmart Pay.

This method uses Quick Response (QR) codes to facilitate payments with previously saved debit and credit card information.

Can I use Google Pay at an ATM?

You can use it for contactless cash withdrawals at ATMs that accept that payment method only if you have added your physical card to Google Pay and want to withdraw cash. However, keep in mind that not every ATM supports contactless transactions.

Do gas stations accept Google Pay?

Yes, roughly 85,000 service stations across the US support Google Pay.

Customers are now able to pay their gas bills with a simple scan of their phone using Google Wallet. This is a result of a successful collaboration between Google and the oil and gas industries.

If the place accepts Google Pay, does it also accept Apple Pay?

Apple Pay and Google Pay are typically accepted at any store or restaurant that can process contactless payments.

However, to find out which places accept Apple Pay, get out your iPhone or other Apple device and open up the Apple Maps app. Type the name into the Search Maps box to locate a business. If you click on the name, you can learn more about the company (contacts, locations, websites, etc.).

On the Good to Know section, you’ll find an Apple Pay symbol. You may also use the Accepts Apple Pay search field in the Apple Maps app to find small businesses that accept Apple Pay.

Read more