Overview

What is Google Pay?

Google Pay™ allows you to make quick, easy and secure payments using your eligible Nationwide credit and debit cards via compatible Android devices and contactless payment technology. You can also use it to make in-app purchases wherever the Google Pay logo is displayed.

Your personal information, transaction data, and card information is protected by industry-leading security.

Google Pay transactions have no limit, however some merchants only accept payments up to £30 via Google Pay (in line with the contactless limit). In-app transactions are also limitless: as long as you have the available balance or credit limit, the transaction should be authorised.

To help you keep track of your spending you can register for Internet Banking and download our banking app. You could also register for our free text alerts service to help you manage your money more easily.

Which Nationwide cards are eligible?

All Nationwide debit cards and credit cards are eligible, with the exception of the FlexOne cash card. You can upload multiple cards to your device and can easily switch between these cards within the Google Pay app.

How does Google Pay work?

Once your card is added to your device:

In store

You simply hold your device up to the contactless terminal to authorise the payment and the payment is made instantly.

If the payment is for less than £30 you only need to wake the device screen, for payments over £30 you will need to authenticate the payment using the device PIN password, fingerprint, or pattern set up on your device.

In app

At checkout, touch the Google Pay purchase button. You may be prompted to select a payment method and enter your shipping address before confirming your order.

How secure is the service?

  • For low value payments, currently up to £30, when you wake up your device’s screen and present it to the contactless terminal to authorise the payment, for extra security you’ll occasionally be asked to unlock your device.
  • All high value payments over £30 require the device to have been unlocked using authentication from the account holder via the fingerprint sensor, your PIN, password or pattern for each transaction.
  • Your card number and identity isn’t shared with the merchant and your actual card numbers aren’t stored on your device or Google’s servers.
  • Your personal information, transaction data and card information is protected by industry-leading security, and if your card is lost or stolen, and you’re a genuine victim of fraud, you’re protected against fraud loss – provided you contact us as soon as reasonably possible and in any event no later than 13 months from the date the transaction debited your account.

What if I lose my card or it's stolen?

With Google Pay, you'll always have access to your money. So, if you should lose your card or have it stolen, you can continue to use Google Pay to make payments whilst you're awaiting your new replacement card. For more information see Frequently asked questions.

Getting started

What do I need to use Google Pay on my phone/device?

Google Pay is available on a wide range of mobile devices.

  • You will need an Android device running Kit Kat (4.4) or higher*. Your device will also require Near Field Communication (NFC) and Host-based Card Emulation (HCE) support.
  • If you can download the Google Pay application from the Google Play store, your device is compatible with Google Pay. However, on new devices, Google Pay is already installed.

You will also need:

  • PIN password, fingerprint, or pattern set up on your device.
  • A Google account, for example a Gmail e-mail address.
  • An eligible Nationwide credit or debit card.
  • An up-to-date email address and mobile phone number and recorded on your Nationwide account.

    You can update your email address and mobile number by logging into the internet bank. You will need your card reader and customer number to log in.

How do I add a card to my device?

First, you’ll need to access the Google Pay app.  Then:

  1. If you have multiple Google Accounts in Google Pay: At the top left of the app, tap your name then choose the account you want to add a card to
  2. At the bottom right tap '+'
  3. Tap 'Add credit or debit card'
  4. Use the camera to read the card or enter card details
  5. Enter the 3-digit security number on the back of your card
  6. Read and accept the terms and conditions
  7. Choose verification method (to receive the 6-digit verification code by text or email)*
  8. Enter the 6-digit verification code you receive
  9. Set up is complete.

*You also have the option to call our Digital Payments Team, who can verify you and activate the service. There’s a number displayed in the app for this at the verification options stage. However, if your contact details are up-to-date, you shouldn't need to do this.

The first card you add to Google Pay becomes your default payment card and will remain your default card unless you change it via the Google Pay app settings. This is the card that'll be charged when you pay with your device.

How do I make a payment?

In-store:

  1. For payments under £30 you simply wake up your device's screen and hold it up to the contactless terminal; or

    For payments over £30 you unlock the device using your fingerprint, PIN, password, or pattern, and present the device to the contactless terminal.
  2. A notification will come up on your device confirming payment.

In-app:

  1. At checkout, tap the Google Pay purchase button.
  2. The payment is made using your default card.

You may be prompted to select a payment method and enter your shipping address before confirming your order.

How does Google Pay differ to contactless payments?

Google Pay uses your Android device to make contactless transactions, so you don't need a contactless-enabled debit or credit card to use the service.

Contactless payments using an enabled debit or credit card are subject to a limit per transaction, which is currently set at up to £30 in the UK.

Google Pay contactless transactions using your Android device have no such limit. This is because you authorise Google Pay payments over £30 using the fingerprint sensor, your PIN, password or pattern, increasing the security over standard contactless transactions. However, merchants may have a limit set on their terminal, and you should have the available balance and credit limit to make the payment.

In-app transactions are also limitless: as long as you have the available balance or credit limit, the transaction should be authorised.

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Google Pay is a trademark of Google LLC. Android, Google Pay, and the Google Logo are trademarks of Google LLC. Google Pay is available on compatible Android devices using Android 4.4 and higher.*

*Beta versions of operating systems are not supported.

Frequently asked questions