Wallet Face-Off: Google Pay vs. Apple Pay 🍏

[Veda.Ramesh]

Hello Revolut Community.

It’s the ultimate showdown for digital wallet supremacy!

Do you prefer the sleek and seamless experience of Apple Pay, or are you all in for the versatility and integration of Google Pay? (well I know my favourite, but will tell only if you tell )

We are eager to hear your thoughts on:

User Experience: Which platform offers the smoothest transactions?

Compatibility: Which one works best with your favourite stores and apps?

Security: Which wallet gives you that extra peace of mind?

Perks and Rewards: Who comes out on top with cashback and discounts?

Let’s settle this debate together and uncover the pros and cons of these digital giants. Plus, you might discover some hidden tricks along the way!

Jump in, share your insights, and help your fellow community members make informed choices when it comes to mobile payments

Let the wallet face-off begin!

Veda | Community Team

[Carl_1460]

All of the above is equal, except Google pay doesn’t always require you to unlock your phone at point of sale depending on amount.

Google could also go back to vertical scrolling of cards but it’s no biggy.

The principle is the same otherwise.

[Frank]

There are technical differences.

Both payment systems are based on the same standard: the EMV standard developed for cards with microchips. Tokenization is defined by this standard.

Google Pay relies on the cloud to generate payment tokens while Apple always generates payment tokens on the phone. Google Pay refreshes those tokens whenever it’s got an internet connection and can, in principle, run out of tokens without an internet connection. Something that does not happen with Apple Pay. It’s usually no problem, but it doesn’t hurt to be aware of it.

Apple Pay always relies on SCA (strong customer authentication), while Google allows for the same threshold regulators in local markets allow for (comparable to the limits that apply for contactless payment with the card). Therefore, Apple Pay is considered “more secure” because there’s always an additional verification step. (SCA for Apple Pay is unrelated to unlocking the phone.)

There’s one expection: Express Mode. When this feature is activated, Apple Pay works with unlocked phones, without SCA, and even with low battery (as long as the phone can show the battery icon with switched off display). It only works with a defined number of qualifying public transport providers.

[Veda.Ramesh]

@Carl_1460 Thank you for the additional details!

@Frank Wow, that’s some impressive knowledge you’ve dropped here! Thanks for sharing these fascinating technical insights about Google Pay and Apple Pay.

Your expertise brightens up our day!

Veda | Community Team

[Recchan]

Lack of express transit hurts my soul, thankfully even the buses in Britain have started to roll it out. I think Transport for New South Wales, in Australia and also Japan’s SUICA/ICOCA/PASMO have got support for it too (the former is probably mid rollout actually, but it’s very needed)

[SebH]

Apple Pay is more secure as you’ve explained which is, in my opinion, better.

Google Pay’s sideways scrolling card selection is also bizarre and not user friendly.

[Veda.Ramesh]

@Recchan I totally feel your pain! Express transit can be a game-changer, and it’s great to hear it’s becoming more widespread in different regions.

@SebH Welcome to the community. Thank you for sharing your insights! Keep exploring.

Veda | Community Team

[Mariana_Rodrigues]

Loving the discussion right here

Some really amazing knowledge