Apple Pay vs. Google Pay: How do they compare in 2024?

Looking for a smart way to send and spend money from just your phone? Maybe you’re torn between Google Pay®¹ and Apple Pay®², but not sure how they’re similar or different. This guide is for you.

We’ll cover a full Google Pay vs Apple Pay comparison and review, plus a look at Wise - which you can use with either mobile wallet service to make it cheaper and easier to send and spend in foreign currencies.

Apple Pay vs. Google Pay: Overview

Before we get into a full Apple Pay/Apple Wallet® vs Google Pay review, let’s look at a quick overview on features:

Wondering about the differences Google Pay vs Samsung pay vs Apple Pay - or even with some other popular payment services? Here are a few more resources to check out:

• Wondering if you can use PayPal and Apple Pay together? This guide is for you
• Interested in how Google Pay lines up vs PayPal? Get a Google Pay vs PayPal review here
• Stuck between Samsung Pay and Google Pay? Here’s a Samsung Pay vs Google Pay guide to help

Google Wallet vs. Google Pay

Google’s payment platforms have evolved and changed names over the years, so you’ll find people refer to Google Pay, G-Pay and Google Wallet³ pretty interchangeably. At present, Google has incorporated Google Pay into the Google Wallet app, so customers can get all the related Google services in one place.

With Google Pay, users can make contactless payments using their stored cards, without needing to pull out their physical card or wallet. The Google Wallet app then lets you hold other important documents digitally, including tickets, loyalty cards and passes.

With Google Pay and the Google Wallet you can send money overseas, either directly from the Google Pay app (transfers to India only), or through a third party service. Another neat feature is that you can use Google Maps to find Google partners near you, where rewards and discounts may be offered on spending⁴.

Apple Wallet vs. Apple Pay

While Apple Wallet and Apple Pay are closely related, they serve different purposes. Apple Wallet is designed to be a one-stop-shop for all of a user's digital cards and passes, while Apple Pay is focused on mobile payments. By storing their cards and passes in the Apple Wallet app, users can easily access and manage their digital documents in one place, without needing to carry physical cards or paper documents.

You can use Apple Pay wherever you see the contactless payment symbol displayed. That includes using Apple Pay internationallyand using Apple Pay to make ATM withdrawals where contactless withdrawals are supported.

You can send money with Apple Pay, through the Apple Cash service. You can also get an Apple Card to earn cash back on spending, with no fixed fees if you clear your bills regularly.

Does Apple Pay have any fees?

Apple Pay does not charge users fees for making mobile and online payments through your linked card. However, any fees which would apply when you use your card directly - such as late payment fees or penalties when using a credit card - still apply.

If you have an Apple Card, you’ll need to make sure you pay your bills every month to avoid interest and late payment fees, as with any other credit card product. It’s also worth remembering that many cards add fees when you spend overseas - check out this guide to Apple’s international fees for more.

Does Google Pay have any Fees?

Google Pay does not have any fees for using the mobile payment service. However, like with Apple Pay, any fees that would apply when using your card directly will still apply with Google Pay.

Get a Wise account and save money when sending money overseas

Ready to take control of your international finances and save money on fees and exchange rates? Sign up for Wise today and experience a smarter way to send and receive money globally - including integrations with both Apple Pay and Google Pay, and currency exchange which always uses the mid-market exchange rate⁵.

Wise offers a fast, secure, and transparent service, so you'll enjoy greater control and flexibility over your funds, no matter where you are in the world. Here’s when you can expect with an account from Wise:

• Send payments to 80+ countries
• Hold and exchange 40+ currencies with the mid-market exchange rate
• Get a Wise card to spend in 170+ countries
• Get paid from 30+ countries with local bank details

Get a Wise Account today

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information.

Apple Pay vs. Google Pay: Where are they accepted?

Apple Pay and Google Pay are both usually accepted wherever contactless payments are supported. This can include shopping online or in apps, in stores, and when making ATM withdrawals from ATMs that support contactless technology. Both of these factors have made Google Pay and Apple Pay a useful way to take payments as a small business.

Is Google Pay safe?

Google Pay ensures the safety and security of its customers and accounts through a combination of manual and automatic security measures⁶. Two-factor authentication is set up during registration and uses PIN, Face ID, or fingerprint confirmation for transactions. Data is securely encrypted, and virtual card numbers are passed to merchants to protect card details. Fraud prevention protocols and remote phone locking add an extra layer of security.

Is Apple Pay safe?

As with Google Pay, Apple Pay offers a high level of security for mobile payments, using features like tokenization, biometric authentication, and encryption. In addition, Apple Pay has a dedicated security chip on iPhones and other Apple devices, for extra peace of mind.

Apple Pay vs. Google Pay under 18

You can normally use Apple Pay if you’ve got an eligible card, and you’re aged 13 or over. You may need to have a family account in joint names with someone over the age of 18 to access some Apple Pay and Apple Cash services⁷.

Google Pay is offered to users who are aged 18 or over⁸.

Bottom line

Both Apple Pay and Google Pay are very helpful services for mobile payments in person and online. There are many overlapping features across both Apple Pay/Apple Wallet, and Google Pay/Google Wallet - although they’re not exactly the same. Which is best for you may simply come down to the device you have, and which user interface you prefer. If you have an Apple phone, you’ll be able to use either Apple Pay or Google Pay - Android users can usually only access Google Pay and Google Wallet.

Whichever you prefer out of Apple Pay vs Google Pay, it's good to know you can use these mobile wallets to securely and easily send and spend in foreign currencies, with Wise.

Learn more about Wise

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Google Pay or Apple Pay?

Both Google Pay and Apple Pay offer similar functionalities and security measures. The choice between the two may come down to personal preference or which platform is more widely supported by your bank or credit union.

Is there a downside to Apple Pay?

One potential downside to Apple Pay is that it is only available on Apple devices, which may limit its accessibility to users who don't own an iPhone or iPad. Additionally, some merchants may not accept Apple Pay, although this is becoming less common as contactless payments become more widespread.

Is Google Pay safe vs Apple Pay?

Both Google Pay and Apple Pay are safe to use as long as you use normal precautions, such as not sharing your PIN with others, and regularly reviewing your account and transactions.

Is it better to pay with Google Pay?

Paying with a mobile wallet like Google Pay is convenient, and it means you don’t need to carry your card when you’re out and about. This can also be more secure, as you’re less likely to lose your card when you spend.