[php snippet=1] Android Pay is a new mobile payment service that will be launched after the failure of Google Wallet. Interestingly enough, Android Pay will not charge any transaction fee for the service, which should make it more attractive. The new payment method is more secure, universal and convenient than its predecessor Google Wallet. It is one of the most secure ways to pay with your Android smartphone today. The new payment service is a payment platform that lets users make purchases both in-app and at physical retail stores. The new service works on Android devices running KitKat or higher.

Use Android Pay in-app

As aforesaid, the new mobile payment method can be used to purchase goods and services in-app. This means that gone are the days when people used to enter their credit cards and shipping addresses each time they make a purchase online. Just tap “Android Pay” and Google will take care of the rest. Checkout will be very fast and secure.

Works with Devices running Android 4.4 KitKat and higher

According to Google, the payment service works on devices with Android 4.4 KitKat and higher.

No fingerprint scan

Fingerprint scan is believed by many as the most secure mobile device authentication method at the moment. However, Android Pay will not need you to use it as Android phone manufacturers are yet to incorporate fingerprint scanners into their smartphones. But for the time being, Android Pay accepts a password, PIN or pattern to verify a transaction. When making a purchase, tap your Android smartphone on the payment terminal, enter your password or PIN, and you are done. The transaction is complete. Google does all the heavy tasks. You do not even have to open an app – simply tap and go. You will receive transaction details and payment confirmation will be sent right on your phone.

Keep Your Money Secure

Android Pay just like any other payment service knows how important it is for customers to keep their personal and financial information secure. It is therefore working with leading financial institutions and payment processors in the United States to deliver industry standard security tokenization. Tokenization is basically the process of substituting sensitive information with unique symbols that has no exploitable or extrinsic value or meaning. Just like Apple Pay, Android Pay uses this technology as well.

Shop at Hundreds of Thousands of Shops

Android pay will be accepted at over 700,000 stores across the United States and in more than 1000 Android applications. But Google said it will be adding more on a daily basis. Google has connected with many of the same companies that Apple Pay has.

Shop with Credit or Debit Card

Android Pay allows users to pay with their credit or debit cards, across Android mobile phones, and at thousands of stores.

Compatible with many devices

Android pay is far better than Apple Pay since it is compatible with so many devices. In order to use an Apple Pay, you will need to have an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus. As aforementioned, the new payment method supports all Android 4.4 KitKat devices. That means that all Android phones released in 2013, will integrate with Android Pay.

Will Android Pay Succeed?

It goes without saying that Android Pay is way more simplified than Apple Pay, but that shouldn’t mean that Google’s new payment method is going to be a success after Google Wallet failed. To begin with, the system will only work in the United States. Google is staying silent with its European and Asian customers. Launching the feature in other countries, especially China and UK can make a difference.

All in all, Android Pay makes it more rewarding and much simpler to pay for things with a mobile phone. With more than a billion Android users worldwide, that is going to give mobile payment a huge boost this year, especially in the United States.