Set up a card for contactless payments

You can make contactless payments in stores and on some transit systems with your Android phone.

Learn how to set up a card for contactless payments on the Google Pay app with a step-by-step guide.

Cards that work with contactless payments

Many types of cards from major banks can be used for contactless payments. Find supported cards.

Add a new card

The first payment method you add to Google Pay becomes your default way to pay for all contactless payments. When you make a contactless payment, your default method is automatically charged. You can change your default contactless payment method.

1. Open the Google Pay app .
2. At the top right, tap your Profile picture Wallet.
3. At the bottom, tap Add to Wallet.
4. Tap Payment card New credit or debit card.
5. Use the camera to capture your card info or enter it manually.
6. If you’re asked to verify your payment method, choose an option from the list. Learn how to verify your payment method.
7. Find and enter the verification code.

Tip: After you add a card, you might see a small temporary authorization on your account from Google. This authorization checks that your card and account are valid. It won’t be charged to your balance and will go away soon. Most temporary authorizations leave your account within 48 hours.

Set up contactless payments for an existing card

If you add one or more payment methods to Google Pay, you can set up contactless payments.

1. Open the Google Pay app .
2. At the top right, tap your Profile picture Wallet.
3. Swipe to the card you want to enable and tap Verify now.
4. If you’re asked to verify your payment method, choose an option from the list. Learn how to verify your payment method.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setup.

Important: When you set up contactless payments in the Google Pay app, your payment method is automatically added to your Android device settings.

• If you uninstall the Google Pay app, your payment method stays in your Android device settings and can still be used. Learn how to remove a payment method from device settings.
• If you remove a payment method from the Google Pay app, it’s automatically removed from your device too. Learn how to remove a payment method from Google Pay.

Change your default contactless payment method

If you have more than one card set up for contactless payments, you can choose which one to use by default.

1. On your Android phone, open the Google Pay app .
2. At the top right, tap your Profile picture Wallet.
3. Swipe left or right to the card you want to use.
4. Tap the card you want to use as your default contactless payment method.
5. Tap Set as default contactless.

Related resources

• Add cards & bank accounts in the Google Pay app
• Make contactless payments
• Fix problems with contactless payments