Just re-read what you've posted. The answer is there: When you use your X bank card, the bank knows and shares your purchases. When you use Google Pay with the same X bank card attached, in addition to the bank, Google knows and shares your purchases. Answer from Optimum_Pro on reddit.com
Moss
getmoss.com › guide › en › is-google-pay-safe
Is Google Pay Safe? Here's How Google Protects Payments
September 24, 2025 - Find out how Google Pay (now Google Wallet) protects you from fraudsters with tokenization, encryption and more.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/privacy › is it worse to use google pay, or to use a bank card?
r/privacy on Reddit: Is it worse to use Google Pay, or to use a bank card?
September 11, 2024 -
Which of the two reveals more data about your purchases, or makes it likelier that third parties will acquire your data?
Top answer 1 of 14
35
Ik what sub I'm in. But people need to differentiate between Privacy, anonymity & security. Google & Apple are insanely good at security. I'd simply blindly trust them, as I'd only have to deal with OpSec. As for privacy, your bank would obviously know what you are doing. If you use Google pay, so will they so they can enhance security. Your govt cards like drivers license & tax returns also know your income and so forth. Yes, lesser privacy & lower anonymity. Also, google takes cuts, which I dislike. But in terms of security, which is what a lot of people should be caring about. Google and Apple are definitely safe ways to go for it. Use Google Pay. You DO NOT have to be someone who is OFF THE GRID. But rather someone who isn't PURELY reliant on Big Tech. Google is mostly ad based, if they were to sell your bank purchases and details. The bank would be sueing them immediately. Third party audits would screw them. And so would the people (if they were tech literate enough to know) However, Google Pay does help for an EcoSystem. Which is why it is exists. Same with Android & VSC & chromium, both open source but exist purely to dominate in the EcoSystem. Google Pay's purpose isn't for ad revenue, but for completeness for a mobile experience EcoSystem and to increase user dependency & ease of use. Use Google pay for its security. Especially with Bank Details. You others for anything else.
2 of 14
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i feel like inserting another party into your payment chain is probably worse for privacy, especially considering that it's google
Is Google Pay safe?
So you can set whether Google Pay needs the phone to be unlocked to pay, or whether you can pay with a locked phone, that's up to you. Additionally if someone stole your phone and you're and the phone needs to be unlocked to pay the thief would need to keep your phone unlocked to be able to pay with it, this would mean interacting with the phone every minute after stealing it and never touching the sleep/wake button. A thief is more likely to be interested in the phone itself rather than the Google Pay account on it. Also (in the UK) there's limits on NFC payments of no more than £100 per transaction to limit such transactions after theft. I also believe banks are instructed to repay amounts to the customer when a card is cancelled due to theft and because of the £100 limit they're likely to do it as they're not on the hook for like a £3k purchase. Also if your concern is theft resulting in stolen funds then any contactless debit/credit cards are a much bigger security risk for this than your phone. I think my current setting is to pay when unlocked, because I'm honestly not worried about the scenario you mention. I'll get the money back from the bank. And a thief isn't likely to spend money on my phone, that's just leaving a trace to a business where they can be caught on CCTV. Once they've stolen my phone their main prerogative will be to sell it immediately and pick up more money than they're likely to spend contactless. Also on the accidental payments thing I've seen mentioned. I've used versions of contactless phone payments for about 7 years maybe? I've never had this happen once. I wouldn't worry about this. More on reddit.com
31
1
August 28, 2023Google Wallet does not seem very secure
Yeah my phone bought a few bus tickets in that exact scenario. Just went into the bus with a messaging app opened and suddenly felt vibration and sound for successful payment. After 2 seconds I received the notification that bus ticket was bought. Even though I already had a physical ticket. Luckily it wasn't anything expensive. More on reddit.com
51
0
July 15, 2023security concern reegarding Google Wallet use
For your safety, do not turn on your NFC all the time. More on reddit.com
17
4
3 weeks agoIs Google Pay Safe From Hackers?
Google Pay is generally safe from hackers due to its use of virtual account numbers, NFC technology, and robust encryption. It does not share your actual credit card information with merchants, adding an extra layer of protection. However, user vigilance is crucial to avoid falling victim to phishing or social engineering scams.
mysteriumvpn.com
mysteriumvpn.com › home › blog › privacy › is google pay safe? a comprehensive security review for 2024
Is Google Pay Safe? A Comprehensive Security Review for 2024
Is It Safer to Use Card or Google Pay?
Google Pay is often considered safer than using a physical credit card because it uses virtual card numbers and hides your actual card details during transactions. The platform also requires additional security measures like a screen lock or facial recognition to authorize payments. This adds an extra layer of protection that traditional card use may not offer.
mysteriumvpn.com
mysteriumvpn.com › home › blog › privacy › is google pay safe? a comprehensive security review for 2024
Is Google Pay Safe? A Comprehensive Security Review for 2024
What Are the Risks of Google Pay?
The risks of Google Pay include potential scams like fake customer support or overpayment fraud, where users are tricked into sending money or revealing personal details. Though the platform is secure, it relies heavily on the user’s device security, meaning a lost or stolen phone without proper protection could expose payment methods. Users must also be cautious of phishing attempts and malicious links.
mysteriumvpn.com
mysteriumvpn.com › home › blog › privacy › is google pay safe? a comprehensive security review for 2024
Is Google Pay Safe? A Comprehensive Security Review for 2024
Videos
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Keep it safe! Google Wallet security features for developers - YouTube
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Here's how to ensure your digital wallet is safe - YouTube
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Stop the CONFUSION with Google Pay and Google Wallet - YouTube
Google Support
support.google.com › wallet › answer › 7643925
Keep your payment info safe - Google Wallet Help
If you need more information, contact your card issuer. Screen lock · To make in-store payments with a card in your Google Wallet, you must set up a screen lock on your device. Learn how to set up a screen lock. Here are the few ways that you can keep your payment info safe.
Google Support
support.google.com › pay › india › answer › 7295786
Protect your Google Pay information - Google Pay Help
Google Pay keeps your information safe. Google Pay uses special things to stop frauds from stealing your money or knowing your identity. Your Google Pay information is stored in a safe place, and our team monitors it all the time.
Jotform
jotform.com › home › google pay for business › is google pay safe? a payments expert weighs in
Is Google Pay safe? A payments expert weighs in | The Jotform Blog
July 4, 2025 - Jotform lets you collect Google Pay payments on any device — with no additional transaction fees. “No technology is going to be completely safe. There are always going to be hackers, and tech is only ‘unhackable’ until somebody hacks ...
Google
safety.google › pay
Google Pay Safety & Security Features
Google Pay gives you transparency on how your data is used, has new easy-to-use privacy controls, and protects you with advanced security - all to keep your money and private information safe.
Business Insider
businessinsider.com › business insider › tech › google pay: how to use it, pros and cons, is it safe?
Google Pay: How to use it, pros and cons, is it safe?
June 5, 2024 - Surprisingly, Google Pay is safer and more secure than using a credit card, and for a number of reasons. First and foremost: Google Pay purchases are tokenized, which means that the service sends your credit information using a unique code for ...
MysteriumVPN
mysteriumvpn.com › home › blog › privacy › is google pay safe? a comprehensive security review for 2024
Is Google Pay Safe? A Comprehensive Security Review for 2024
January 21, 2025 - Google Pay is generally safe from hackers due to its use of virtual account numbers, NFC technology, and robust encryption. It does not share your actual credit card information with merchants, adding an extra layer of protection.
Chargeblast
chargeblast.com › blog › google-wallet-vs-apple-pay-which-prevents-more-fraud
Google Wallet vs Apple Pay: Which Prevents More Fraud?
August 14, 2025 - Forget about disputes
Reddit
reddit.com › r/googlepixel › is google pay safe?
r/GooglePixel on Reddit: Is Google Pay safe?
August 28, 2023 -
Hi,
I‘m not yet on a Google Pixel, I’ve been an iPhone user since forever.
Planning on getting the upcoming Pixel 8 Pro, now I read that „double tap to pay“ basically doesn’t exist on android. Instead, everytime your phones unlocked it’s „ready to pay“.
However, the articles I read were few years old - I assume Google has fixed this and there’s at least the possibility to double tap (or similar feature)?
If not, how can you consider Google Pay safe? The problem starts with the phone accidentally buying bus tickets when you walk in or out the bus and ends with the possibility of someone walking up to you with a scanner and your phone will happily pay without you even having to authenticate the payment. As someone who had that happen with a credit card I’m super careful.
What’s the current situation like?
If Gpay hasn’t advanced, would deactivating NFC everytime you don’t need it help?
Top answer 1 of 12
4
So you can set whether Google Pay needs the phone to be unlocked to pay, or whether you can pay with a locked phone, that's up to you. Additionally if someone stole your phone and you're and the phone needs to be unlocked to pay the thief would need to keep your phone unlocked to be able to pay with it, this would mean interacting with the phone every minute after stealing it and never touching the sleep/wake button. A thief is more likely to be interested in the phone itself rather than the Google Pay account on it. Also (in the UK) there's limits on NFC payments of no more than £100 per transaction to limit such transactions after theft. I also believe banks are instructed to repay amounts to the customer when a card is cancelled due to theft and because of the £100 limit they're likely to do it as they're not on the hook for like a £3k purchase. Also if your concern is theft resulting in stolen funds then any contactless debit/credit cards are a much bigger security risk for this than your phone. I think my current setting is to pay when unlocked, because I'm honestly not worried about the scenario you mention. I'll get the money back from the bank. And a thief isn't likely to spend money on my phone, that's just leaving a trace to a business where they can be caught on CCTV. Once they've stolen my phone their main prerogative will be to sell it immediately and pick up more money than they're likely to spend contactless. Also on the accidental payments thing I've seen mentioned. I've used versions of contactless phone payments for about 7 years maybe? I've never had this happen once. I wouldn't worry about this.
2 of 12
3
My phone must be unlocked to pay.
Google Support
support.google.com › googlepay › answer › 7643925
Keep your payment info safe - Google Pay Help
If you need more information, contact your card issuer. Screen lock · To make in-store payments with a card in your Google Wallet, you must set up a screen lock on your device. Learn how to set up a screen lock. Here are the few ways that you can keep your payment info safe.
TrueMerchant
truemerchant.com › home › let’s address the security concerns with apple pay and google wallet
The Security Concerns with Apple Pay and Google Wallet
May 4, 2021 - Of course there is always the chance of some form of a security breach, but, it won’t be easy for those hackers. All you need to know, is that no matter what, you are 100% covered. All of the major credit card companies, banks, and corporations are backing this new technology due to the virtual elimination of fraud.
Google
blog.google › products › google-pay › google-pay-safety-tips
3 ways to keep payment info safe with Google Pay
April 23, 2024 - When you add a payment card to Google Wallet, it creates a device-specific virtual account number, known as a device token, so your real card number isn’t stored on your device or shared with merchants. (Don’t worry — you can still get any card rewards when you make a payment!) And if your device gets stolen, you can rest assured that your payment methods are safe.
Wise
wise.com › us › blog › is-google-pay-safe
Is Google Pay safe? - Wise
May 5, 2023 - Google Pay has industry leading safeguards in place to ensure accounts are safe from hackers.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/googlepixel › google wallet does not seem very secure
r/GooglePixel on Reddit: Google Wallet does not seem very secure
July 15, 2023 -
I was at dinner with my mates and had my phone held in my hand unlocked (but not looking at it) when the dude from the restaurant went to move the payment machine across the table for my friend to pay, Google wallet automatically paid without me even opening the wallet app or authorising the payment with a fingerprint or something (mind you my phone wasn't even that close to the machine, probably like ~15cm away). There's no settings to only enable payments only when the app is open either, just a few settings about notifications.
I've seen people say to turn NFC on only when making a payment, however pixel does not even have this toggle in the quick settings tiles which is really irritating, meaning I'd have to open settings every time.
I'm kinda surprised you don't even need to authorise the payments or that you don't even need the app open which is kinda scary tbh.
Anyone else experienced this issue, or have any solutions?
Top answer 1 of 4
6
Yeah my phone bought a few bus tickets in that exact scenario. Just went into the bus with a messaging app opened and suddenly felt vibration and sound for successful payment. After 2 seconds I received the notification that bus ticket was bought. Even though I already had a physical ticket. Luckily it wasn't anything expensive.
2 of 4
6
I treat my phone as a credit card so I don't let scanners near it, unless I'm trying to pay. I thought this was a universal thought...I guess not.
Google Wallet
wallet.google › intl › en_us › faq
Google Wallet FAQs & Additional Information - Google Wallet
Google Wallet is a digital wallet that allows you to securely store your cards, tickets, passes, keys, and IDs.
Google Wallet
wallet.google
Google Wallet - Your Fast and Secure Digital Wallet
Protect your personal information wherever you go and your money wherever you pay. Google Wallet gives you advanced security and easy-to-use privacy controls so you and your information stay safe every day.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/digitalbanksph › security concern reegarding google wallet use
r/DigitalbanksPh on Reddit: security concern reegarding Google Wallet use
3 weeks ago -
I use Google wallet every since losing my phone with my credit cards a couple of months back on vacation. Yesterday I wondered if I could pay with my phone without opening the google wallet app, and so I did, and it worked.
Which makes me think, what stops people from getting an NFC reader/writer, and to charge my google wallet while my phone is in my pocket? or just while not looking?
Is there some security measure I could set up, like a password or biometrics?
Or is my only option to have NFC turned off in my phone until I want to use it and turn it back off after I'm finished?