What is Android Pay?
Android Pay is a mobile payment and digital wallet service from Google.
It can be used to pay for anything with a simple tap on the reader, thanks to something called a contactless Near Field Communication (NFC) card reader terminal.
In addition, Android Pay can also be used for online payments. It even has a loyalty card built-in so that you can reward your customers and tempt them with special offers.
How does it work?
Android Pay uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to make contactless mobile payments. What is NFC? Simply, NFC uses wireless technology to enable different devices to communicate with each other. So, instead of physically swiping a card through a reader, the phone and reader communicate remotely. Clever stuff eh?
NFC has a very short-range, so you don’t actually have to tap the reader, but simply pass the phone within a couple of inches of the terminal. But most people feel happier with a tap or two, so why not? The phone transmits a unique transaction code to you, the merchant’s system. You don’t get details of the user’s actual card or account number. That data is stored separately and securely and the system gives it a single unique code. So, it’s even more secure than the average credit card.
Is it safe to accept Android Pay?
Because Android Pay uses a virtual account number to represent your customer’s account information, their card details are safe and secure.
And, of course, users don’t have to enter and re-enter their card information, which helps reduce fraud.
If their phone is lost or stolen, they can use Android Device Manager to instantly lock it from any location, secure it with a new password, or wipe all personal data.
Unlike credit cards, which are small and can easily be lost or stolen, a smartphone that is stolen is difficult to access if there is an access password, fingerprint check or encrypted keys.
So, from your point of view, it is safe to accept Android Pay.
What are the benefits of accepting Android Pay for merchants?
- You can get started easily and quickly
If you have an NFC-capable card reader or POS terminal that accepts contactless payments, you can accept Android Pay straight away.
- You can reward loyal customers
Android Pay users can store any card with a barcode. So, you can offer them vouchers, coupons, or certificates with barcodes. This way, they can gain points even when they don’t have their physical card with them
- Give your customers a choice
Accept Android Pay and you’re giving your customers a choice of payment. You might also attract new customers who are loyal to Android.
In 2017, Google announced that there were more than two billion monthly active Android devices in use around the world, making.
By comparison, Apple claimed that they had over 1 billion users worldwide in 2016. They haven’t given an updated count since then, but it’s safe to say that they there are still way more Android users than Apple.
How much does it cost to accept Android pay?
Android Pay doesn’t charge you to process payments.
If you don’t have a terminal you may have to buy or lease one. Apart from that, there are no other costs.
How to find out if you already accept Android Pay?
If you have a POS system with NFC technology and up-to-date software, simply try to make a payment with an Android mobile.
There’s no special application process or sign-up. That’s it.
How to process refunds with Android Pay?
All purchases made through Android Pay can be returned according to your business policy.
To process a return, ask customers for their store receipt, just as you would for any other purchase, along with the payment card used for that transaction.
Then match the information on the receipt to the last four digits of their digital card number in Android Pay. Then ask them to swipe their card, simply by holding the back of their phone to the contactless payment terminal. That’s it. It’s as quick and easy as the transaction was.
What is the spending limit?
Contactless payments have a limit of £30 in the UK, but you can make unlimited contactless payments each day.
Android Pay allows customers to make payments up to £100, but anything above the £30 limit will require the customer to enter a pattern, PIN or fingerprint.
Does it work with all bank cards?
Most leading banks and card providers support and accept Android Pay including:
- Bank of Scotland
- First Direct
- Halifax
- HSBC
- Lloyds Bank
- MBNA
- Metro Bank
- M&S Bank
- Nationwide
- NatWest
- TSB
- Royal Bank of Scotland
- Santander
- Ulster Bank
Barclays does not support Android Pay. It has launched its own payment app called Contactless Mobile. American Express cards are not supported either, so if you have an AMEX credit card direct from American Express or via another bank, you won’t be able to use it with Android Pay.
How to accept Android Pay as a small business.
You’ve seen that Android Pay is safe and secure – and much in demand. If you’re ready to try it out, all you need to do is ask a few of your customers if they use Android Pay. If someone says that they do, try it out. And take it from there. You may be pleasantly surprised.