How to Set Up and Use Google Wallet on Android

Google Wallet lets you store debit cards, credit cards, loyalty cards, and passes on your Android phone so you can pay and check in without digging through your purse or wallet.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Find and open Google Wallet
2.Add a payment card
3.Set your default payment card
4.Pay at a store
5.Add loyalty cards and passes

Find and open Google Wallet

~15s

Look for the Google Wallet app on your Android phone (it has a white icon with a small "G" logo on a colorful card). If you don't see it, open the Google Play Store and search for "Google Wallet" to install it for free.

Add a payment card

~27s

Open Google Wallet and tap the "+" button or "Add to Wallet." Tap "Payment card." Either scan your card by pointing the camera at it, or enter the number manually. You'll need the expiration date and CVV security code. Your bank may send a one-time verification code to confirm.

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards from most major US banks work with Google Wallet. Some credit unions and small banks may not yet support it — check your bank's website.

Set your default payment card

~15s

If you add more than one card, tap the card you want to use most often, then tap the three-dot menu and choose "Set as default." This card will be used automatically when you tap to pay.

Pay at a store

~21s

At checkout, unlock your phone (it must be unlocked to pay). Hold the back of your phone near the store's payment terminal. You'll see or hear a confirmation, and a checkmark will appear on your screen. That's it — payment complete.

Warning

Your phone needs to be unlocked before a Google Wallet payment will go through. This protects you if your phone is lost or stolen.

Add loyalty cards and passes

~15s

Tap "+" in Google Wallet and choose "Loyalty card," "Gift card," or "Boarding pass." Search for the retailer or airline by name and follow the prompts. Many apps (Target, CVS, airlines) also have an "Add to Google Wallet" button that adds cards directly.

You Did It!

You've completed: How to Set Up and Use Google Wallet on Android

Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech

Google Wallet is the built-in app on Android phones that lets you store payment cards, loyalty cards, boarding passes, and transit cards — all on your phone. It's Google's answer to Apple Wallet, and it works on any Android phone that has NFC (the short-range wireless technology that lets you tap to pay at store terminals).

Most Android phones made in the last five years have NFC and Google Wallet pre-installed. Once you add a credit or debit card, you can pay at checkout counters just by holding your phone near the payment terminal — the same terminals that accept tap-to-pay cards. It's faster, and you don't have to carry every card with you.

Google Wallet also stores boarding passes, event tickets, gym memberships, and more. This guide shows you how to set it up, add your first card, and use it confidently.

Rate this guide

How helpful was this guide?

google wallet

android

tap to pay

digital wallet

NFC