Mobile Wallet Guide: Google Wallet vs. Apple Pay vs. Samsung Wallet

Google Wallet vs. Apple Pay vs. Samsung Wallet compared

Michael Seaman, CEO of Swipesum, explained that digital wallets like Google Wallet, Apple Pay and Samsung Wallet store payment information securely and use tokenization to process transactions. “Customers like the security and convenience,” Seaman noted. “They already integrate seamlessly with most credit card processors and modern payment terminals, so why not be all for it?”

Here’s an at-a-glance comparison of Google Wallet, Apple Pay and Samsung Wallet, followed by a more detailed overview of each:

Google Wallet

Google Wallet (formerly Google Pay) is Google’s mobile payment service. In 2024, the company phased out the Google Pay app in the U.S. and transitioned users to Google Wallet for secure in-store and online payments. Most Android devices support Google Wallet, which allows users to securely add payment card details, event tickets, passes and more. Additionally, users can send money to other Google Wallet users or directly to friends’ bank accounts. 

These are some notable Google Wallet features: 

• There are mobile apps for iOS and Android, although the functionality is limited on iOS.
• It offers in-store and online payment functionality.
• You can earn rewards through eligible transactions.
• You can send payments directly to friends’ bank accounts. 
• You can store credit and debit cards, along with event tickets, gift cards, coupons, loyalty cards and more.  
• It incorporates Google Chrome’s autofill feature.
• It offers expense splitting functionality.
• A buy now, pay later feature lets consumers pay for purchases in monthly installments.

How to use Google Wallet

Before using Google Wallet, you must add payment cards to the app. To do this, open Google Wallet, tap “Add to Wallet,” and follow the prompts to add credit, debit or other payment cards. 

For in-store payments, Google Wallet uses NFC mobile payment technology to transmit payment card information from a consumer’s mobile phone to the card reader. The consumer’s Android device must be NFC-compatible and have the feature enabled. 

Here’s how it works: 

1. Unlock your phone. (You don’t have to open Google Wallet.)
2. Hold the back of your phone to the card reader. 
3. Depending on the merchant, you may be asked to provide a Google PIN, enter a signature, or complete another authentication step.
4. A blue check mark will appear, signifying a successful payment. 

When using Google Wallet online, you just select it as your payment option. Unlike some payment platforms, Google doesn’t charge consumers transaction fees for Google Wallet purchases. 

Google Wallet availability

You can use Google Wallet at many in-store locations, including the following (more merchants are being added all the time): 

• Acme
• Aeropostale
• Albertsons
• American Eagle
• Arco
• Best Buy
• BevMo
• Burger King
• Chevron
• Chick-fil-A
• Dunkin’
• KFC
• Lululemon
• McDonald’s
• Panera
• REI
• Sephora
• Shell 
• Sprouts
• Staples
• Stater Bros.
• Subway
• Sweetgreen
• Target
• Trader Joe’s
• Ulta
• Walgreens
• Whole Foods

You can also use Google Wallet with apps and websites like Airbnb, Caviar, DoorDash, Etsy, Groupon, Instacart, Postmates and Starbucks. Transit partners include the Las Vegas Monorail, MTA Omny, Metro, Hop Fastpass and Clipper.

Google Wallet security

Instead of using your actual credit card number and other personal information, Google Wallet uses a virtual account number that ensures your personal information is secure on your phone.

Apple Pay

Apple Pay provides an easy, secure and private electronic payment service that uses Face ID- or Touch ID-equipped iOS devices such as the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. You can even use Apple Pay on some Macs. To use Apple Pay, ensure that your device’s operating system is up to date and that you’re signed in to iCloud with your Apple ID. 

How to use Apple Pay

You can use Apple Pay once you’ve added payment cards to your Apple Wallet. Like Google Wallet, Apple Pay works with NFC technology for in-store purchases. Here’s how it works on iPhone (the functionality is similar on other Apple devices): 

1. Double-click the button on the right side of your iPhone.
2. Unlock your phone with Face ID or your passcode.
3. Hold your iPhone over the card reader. 
4. You’ll see “Done” and a check mark, which signifies a successful purchase.  

Your default card is charged automatically. To choose a different card, open your Apple Wallet and select the card you want to use for payment. 

You can also use Apple Pay when shopping online or via mobile apps and websites by selecting the Apple Pay option where available. When you use Apple Pay, you will continue accruing loyalty points, rewards and benefits associated with your cards.

Here are a few other Apple Pay functions to be aware of: 

• Send and request money via Apple Cash: Apple has integrated SMS mobile payment functionality into many of its devices. You can send and request money via Apple Cash — a “card” in your Apple Wallet. Open the Messages app, and prepare a message. Tap the plus sign and choose “Apple Cash.” Enter an amount, and tap “Send” or “Request.” Send your message as usual.
• Send money with a debit card: If you don’t have available funds in your Apple Cash, you can send money with a debit card in your Apple Wallet. Prepare your message as above. After sending the message, you’ll be prompted to double-click to confirm a debit card payment. (Apple Pay will select a debit card automatically; you can swipe to choose another debit card.) Note that you can’t send money with a credit card.
• Receive money via your Apple mobile device: If someone sends you a payment via Apple Cash or a debit card, open your message, tap “Accept” and follow the prompts.
• Transfer Apple Cash to your bank account: After accepting Apple Cash payments, you can easily transfer the money to your affiliated bank account. Open your Wallet app, tap “Apple Cash” and select the three dots on the top right. Choose “Transfer to Bank.”
• Buy now, pay later with Apple Pay Later: When you’re shopping online with a merchant that accepts Apple Pay, select “Apple Pay” to check out. Choose “Pay Later” (instead of “Pay in Full”). You’ll automatically start an application; if approved, you’ll see a four-part payment plan. 

Apple Pay availability

Many merchants accept Apple Pay. In fact, with over 90 percent of U.S. merchants accepting Apple Pay, you should have very few issues utilizing this payment form online and offline. (However, notably, Walmart doesn’t accept Apple Pay, Google Wallet or Samsung Wallet. The retailer is focused on its Walmart Pay digital wallet.)

You can even use Apple Pay to donate to various charities — such as the American Red Cross, Feeding America, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and UNICEF — or to pay for mass transit where available.

Apple Pay security

When you purchase with Apple Pay, your receipts are kept in your Wallet app, but transaction data isn’t stored anywhere else. Every transaction requires authentication with Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode. Your Apple device is protected by its unique passcode. If your Apple device is lost or stolen, you can suspend or permanently remove the device’s Apple Pay functionality.

• In-store purchases: Card numbers and identity credentials aren’t shared with merchants when you make in-store purchases, and card numbers aren’t stored on Apple devices or servers.
• Online purchases: Merchants receive only the information you authorize to fulfill your order, such as your name, email address, and billing and shipping addresses. Apps that use Apple Pay must have a privacy policy you can view, which keeps you in control of your data.

Samsung Wallet

Samsung Wallet is the product of a 2022 merger between Samsung Pay and Samsung Pass. The move was designed to create one solution for storing payment card data, digital IDs, keys, tickets, boarding passes and more. 

Like Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet is compatible with Android devices. However, its device compatibility is much more specific to select Samsung Android mobile devices that run Android 9 or later and support NFC mobile payments. 

The following devices are compatible with Samsung Wallet:

• Galaxy S Series: S8 and newer, including Fan Editions and 5G models
• Galaxy Note and Z Series: Note8 and newer, all Z Flip and Z Fold models
• Galaxy A Series: Select models, including the A32 5G, A42 5G, A50, A51, A70, A71 and newer

Samsung Wallet uses both NFC and magnetic secure transmission (MST) technology. MST technology emits a magnetic signal that acts like the magnetic stripe on most credit cards. This allows you to use this electronic wallet at more terminals than some similar applications allow. However, it does not work at gas station pumps or ATMs where you physically insert your card into a reader.

How to use Samsung Wallet 

To get started, add any qualifying Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover credit cards to your Samsung Wallet. More than 1,000 banks and credit unions — including Chase, Navy Federal Credit Union, TD Bank and U.S. Bank — support Samsung Wallet. Additionally, you can add gift cards and loyalty cards for seamless transactions.

Here’s how it works: 

1. Open Samsung Wallet by swiping up from the bottom of the screen.
2. You’ll see your default card. Swipe to choose another card. 
3. Tap “Iris” if you use the iris sensor, or tap “PIN” to enter your PIN.
4. Hold the back of the phone near the payment terminal. (In some cases, it must touch.)
5. You can move your phone after the reader detects your card. 
6. Enter a PIN if prompted.

You can also make online purchases with Samsung Wallet.

Samsung Wallet availability

Although Samsung Wallet isn’t as prominent as Apple Pay and Google Wallet, it’s accepted in many stores and online platforms and works with most card readers. Notably, Samsung Wallet doesn’t work at gas station pumps. However, it should work with the cashier’s card reader. 

These are some notable stores that accept Samsung Wallet:

• American Eagle
• Best Buy
• CVS
• Gap
• Home Depot
• JCPenney
• Nike
• Nordstrom
• Office Depot
• Old Navy
• Staples
• Target
• Trader Joe’s
• Walgreens

Samsung Wallet security

Numerous security measures are in place for Samsung Wallet. You must verify every purchase with your fingerprint, iris scan or PIN. Additionally, your credit card number is never used for transactions; instead, a random set of numbers is transmitted. All account information is encrypted and stored in a secure data vault. You can also remotely lock or erase your account with Samsung’s SmartThings Find feature.

Google Wallet vs. Apple Pay vs. Samsung Wallet: Which should you choose?

Whether you use Google Wallet, Apple Pay or Samsung Wallet largely depends on your smartphone. If you have an iPhone, you’ll likely use Apple Pay, though Google Wallet is available with limited features for iOS. If you have a Samsung device, you can choose between Samsung Wallet and Google Wallet. For all other Android smartphones, Google Wallet is the default option.

Ultimately, all three systems function similarly. If you have a Samsung phone, consider testing both Samsung Wallet and Google Wallet to determine which one you prefer.

Are there alternatives to Google Wallet, Apple Pay and Samsung Wallet?

Google Wallet, Apple Pay and Samsung Wallet are popular options that are compatible with many merchant card readers, credit cards and banks. Other options include MasterCard PayPass, PayPal and Meta Pay.

Although all of these platforms serve virtually the same function, each is slightly different, with various strengths and weaknesses. The best point-of-sale (POS) systems support many mobile payment platforms, and more merchants are adopting NFC-enabled payments.

Pros and cons of mobile wallets like Google Wallet, Apple Pay and Samsung Wallet

Mobile wallets are convenient, but they’re not a perfect payment solution. Here’s a look at their pros and cons.

Pros of mobile wallets

• Mobile wallets are easy to install and use. If your device has NFC-enabled features, you won’t have any trouble in the checkout line.
• Mobile wallets are secure. Google Wallet, Apple Pay and Samsung Wallet are built with security in mind. All three platforms hide your personal information and credit card numbers from merchants and require you to sign in to your device.
• Mobile wallets let you leave credit cards at home. One of the primary advantages of mobile wallets is that you can leave your credit cards at home (mostly). As long as you frequent supermarkets and stores that accept mobile wallet payments, you carry all of your cards on your device.
• Mobile wallets have great rewards programs. Google, Apple and Samsung frequently roll out new promotions and rewards programs to keep shop-savvy consumers on their platforms.

Ira Bornstein, founder and owner of a financial technology and payment processing consulting firm, said additional benefits of mobile wallets include “increased security through encryption, ease of transaction, and customer preference for contactless payments.” These features make mobile wallets appealing to consumers and businesses that want to streamline transactions and create a great customer experience.

Cons of mobile wallets

• Mobile wallets are not universally accepted. Although mobile wallets are convenient where they’re accepted, it’s still a good idea to keep a credit card or extra cash on hand.
• Mobile wallets may present data privacy concerns. Even though mobile wallet platforms are very secure, they still have the potential to collect and store your transaction history.
• Mobile wallets depend on your phone. Mobile wallets are directly tied to your phone, making your phone the single point of failure. If your battery dies, you lose your phone or you forget it, you could be left without a payment method while on the go.

Bornstein pointed out some downsides for merchants as well, including the need to implement NFC-capable POS systems and to invest in employee training to ensure staff can manage the technology effectively. 

How mobile wallets work with credit card processing

If you’re a small business that wants to accept digital wallet payments, you must ensure that your credit card processor supports these methods.

The best credit card processors allow merchants to accept one or more digital payment methods in addition to credit cards. For example, Clover lets merchants accept Apple Pay, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet. All of its card readers support NFC payments, helping you accommodate many consumers. Read our in-depth review of Clover for more information. 

Jennifer Dublino contributed to this article.