How to Send Money with Google Pay

Google Pay (now officially called Google Wallet in most contexts, though the payment features are still referred to as Google Pay) lets you send money to other people directly from your bank account or debit card. It works on Android phones and through the Google Pay website on a computer.

Sending money to friends and family using Google Pay is free when you use a linked bank account or debit card. There is a fee (currently 1.5% per transaction, minimum $0.31) if you send from a credit card. Receiving money is always free.

Google Pay transfers work between Google accounts. The recipient needs a Google account and a bank account or debit card connected to receive the funds. Money sent through Google Pay goes into the recipient's Google Pay balance. And they can then transfer it to their bank account for free within one to three business days.

One of the most useful aspects of Google Pay for personal use is the contact-based interface. You can find people to pay by searching their name (if they are in your Google contacts), their email address, or their phone number. This makes it straightforward to pay a neighbor, family member, or coworker without needing to know their bank details.

Google Pay also lets you split costs with a group. If you paid for dinner and several people owe you money, you can send a payment request to multiple people at once, and each person pays their share individually.

For security, Google Pay uses encryption and does not share your financial details with the recipient. The recipient sees your name and any note you include, but not your bank account number.

Google Pay is best for personal payments between people you know. For buying things from online sellers or strangers, use a payment method that includes buyer protection, such as PayPal's Goods and Services option or a credit card directly.