Setting Up Google Wallet

  1. 1

    Open Google Wallet and add a card

    Open the Google Wallet app (pre-installed on most Android phones, or download from Play Store). Tap the + icon or “Add to Wallet.” Select Payment Card. Scan your card with the camera or enter details manually. Accept the card issuer’s terms. Your bank may send a verification code via SMS to confirm.

  2. 2

    Set a default card

    If you add multiple cards, set a default: in Google Wallet, tap and hold the card you want as default → Set as Default. The default card is used automatically when you tap to pay.

How to Pay with Google Wallet

  1. 3

    Wake the screen and hold near the terminal

    When the checkout terminal shows the contactless symbol (four curved lines), wake your phone screen (no need to unlock or open the app). Hold the back of the phone near the top of the payment terminal. A tick and confirmation sound means payment went through. The whole process takes under 2 seconds.

  2. 4

    Authenticate if required

    For purchases above the contactless limit (typically $100–200 depending on your bank and the merchant), the terminal may prompt for PIN entry or Google Wallet may require biometric authentication (fingerprint or face unlock) first.

What Else Google Wallet Can Store

  • Loyalty cards and rewards programs (Woolworths Rewards, Coles, etc)
  • Transit cards (Opal, Myki, Go Card — where supported)
  • Boarding passes
  • Event tickets
  • Hotel keys (supported hotels)
Google Wallet vs Google PayGoogle Pay was rebranded as Google Wallet in 2022. They are the same service. If you have Google Pay set up, your cards are already in Google Wallet — nothing needs to change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — Google Wallet uses tokenisation, meaning your actual card number is never transmitted during payment. A one-time virtual account number is sent instead. Even if the payment terminal is compromised, your real card details are not exposed. Payments also require the phone to be unlocked (or use NFC authentication), preventing use if your phone is lost or stolen.
Check: NFC is enabled (Settings → Connections → NFC → On). The card in Wallet has been verified by your bank. Hold the phone at the top of the terminal (where the NFC chip is, usually marked with a symbol). Remove any thick cases — some heavy cases interfere with NFC signal. Ensure Google Wallet is set as the default payment app (Settings → Apps → Default Apps → Tap and Pay).