Using pay services
Using pay services
What's coming up?
In this activity, you'll learn how to use your pay service with your mobile phone when you go shopping at the supermarket or other store that accepts these kinds of payments.
You'll also learn more about how to use your pay service for online purchases.
Start activityWhere can I use a pay service?
You can use your pay service in shops, as well as online. Most shops now accept Google Pay and Apple Pay, and some also accept Samsung Pay.
Look for the pay service logo on the shop window, cash register, or EFTPOS machine to see if your service is accepted.
In this activity, our examples use Google Pay or Apple Pay, but other similar services work in much the same way.
Pay services are not credit cards
Google Pay and Apple Pay (and other similar accounts) are not finance or credit services. When you set one up on your phone or use it with your computer, you'll be using one of your existing bank accounts or credit cards.
Setting up Google Pay
To set up Google Pay, open the Google wallet app on your phone. Sign in securely using your Google Account, and then follow the instructions to add your existing credit card and/or bank card details to the app.
The Google Pay app then checks with your bank if it is allowed to use the card - with your permission of course.
You can set one of the cards as your favourite, so it will be the default whenever you go to pay for something.
eSafety tip
If you can't find Google Wallet on your phone, locate the Google Pay app instead. When it opens, it may display as Google Wallet, or you'll be asked to go to Google Play to update the app. After the update, the app will appear as Google Wallet.
If you previously added cards, tickets, or passes to the Google Pay app, they should then appear in your Google Wallet.
Setting up Apple Pay
To set up Apple Pay, you must be signed in to your iPhone with your Apple ID. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and enter your credit and/or debit card details to add them to the app.
The app then verifies your information with your bank, and may ask you for additional details or to download an app before approving your card.
You can then set one of the cards as your favourite, so it will be the default whenever you go to pay for something.
Using a pay service in a shop
Using a pay service in a shop is like using tap-and-pay with your credit card, except you hold your phone next to the EFTPOS machine, instead of your credit card.
Your phone's pay service app will activate when it detects the EFTPOS machine, and you need to keep your phone close to it while you complete the transaction.
If you move your phone away from the EFTPOS machine at any point before completing the payment, you may need to start again.
eSafety tip
You may need to provide your fingerprint, or double-press a button on your phone to authorise the transaction.
If your purchase exceeds a certain amount, for example $100, you may also need to enter your credit card PIN into your phone to confirm the payment. Your phone will prompt you to do these steps, if they are necessary.
Using a pay service online
Some websites and e-stores will accept Google Pay, Apple Pay, and other pay services. You will see a logo for your pay service on the site's Check Out screen.
You simply click the relevant logo to make a payment. You might need to provide your Google account or Apple ID password to authorise the payment.
eSafety tip
Google Pay, like Apple Pay and most other pay services, is designed to make paying fast and convenient.
Sometimes when you use Google Pay online, there may not be an opportunity to confirm your purchase before payment is made - the purchase will just happen!
Always be certain you are making the correct purchase before clicking the Google Pay logo.
How pay services work with apps and your mobile phone
On an Android phone, Google Pay works with the Google Wallet app. On an iPhone, Apple Pay works with an app called Wallet too.
Both Wallet apps can also securely store ID documents, loyalty cards, vaccination certificates and e-tickets that you've purchased online.
How your mobile phone keeps your pay service secure
The Android and iPhone Wallet apps stay locked until you provide your phone password or passcode, or your biometric log in (FaceID, TouchID, fingerprint, or retina).
You can't unlock these apps using a swipe-pattern even if that's how you unlock your phone - you'll need to provide the phone's password/passcode instead.
eSafety tip
Your payment app uses your phone's highest level of security to keep your money and personal information safe. Each time you make a payment, you will need to provide your password or biometric scan. The app locks again the instant the payment is complete.
Well done!
This is the end of the Using pay services activity. You've learned how to use your pay service, whether it's out and about, or at home on the computer.
Up next, you can find out about a different kind of payment, in the Using pay later services activity.