How to send money with Google Pay? (iPhone & Android)

Adam Rozsa

01.06.23

3 minute read

Not sure how to use the Google Pay®¹ send money service? This guide has all you need to know.

We’ll cover how to send money via Google Pay at home and abroad - plus how Wise can help with low-cost international transfer services which use the mid-market exchange rate.

How do I send money through Google Pay?

You can send money with Google Pay at home and abroad. Here’s how to send money through Google Pay in the US²:

Open the Google Pay app
Tap Send or request, then Search
Tap the contact you want to pay
Tap Pay and enter the amount - you can then also add a note to the recipient
Choose or add a payment method
Tap Pay

If the recipient doesn’t have the Google Pay app, you can still send them money. In this case, they’re sent instructions on how to claim the payment. If they don’t claim it within 7 days, the request expires.

Can I send money abroad with Google Pay?

You can send money overseas with Google Pay³. From within the Google Pay app you can send international payments to people in India using just their phone number. If you want to send money elsewhere in the world with Google Pay you can also do so, but you’ll need to go through another app, like Wise. You can set up a Wise account to send money to 80+ countries, and pay conveniently with Google Pay - more on that, next.

Google Pay alternatives to send money abroad

You can only send payments directly with Google Pay to India - for more options you’ll need an alternative - here are some to consider:

Wise

Open a Wise account for free, to send money with Google Pay to 80+ countries, with the mid-market exchange rate and low fees⁴. Wise transfers are arranged online and in-app and can be delivered quickly - or even instantly⁵.

With a Wise Account, you’ll get the following benefits:

Bank details in 10 currencies
The option to hold, send, spend and convert 40+ currencies at once
Send money overseas with low and transparent fees,
Order a Wise card for a one time fee of just $9 - for use in 174 countries
Mid-market exchange rates on all transactions.

See how much you can save with Wise:

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.

PayPal

Send money to PayPal® accounts based all over the world, which can arrive pretty much instantly. There are PayPal fees to consider, which include a 5% transfer fee (to 4.99 USD), and a 4% currency conversion fee⁶.

Western Union

As one of the biggest money transfer services globally, Western Union® payments can be sent all over the world, to be deposited in bank accounts or collected in cash. Variable fees and exchange rates apply, depending on where you send to and how you want to pay.

Looking for something different? Here are some handy resources that may help:

How much does it cost to send money with Google Pay?

There are usually no fees to send money on Google Pay in the US if you’re using a debit card or linked bank account.

How long does it take to send money with Google Pay?

You can send money with Google Pay through your bank account, a Google Pay balance, or using a linked debit card. How long it takes to arrive will depend on the way you pay - the fastest transfers are funded with a debit card or Google Pay balance.

Bottom line

You can send money directly from the Google Pay app to recipients in the US and India, using just a phone number. If you’re sending to another country you can still use Google Pay, but you’ll need to set up the transfer through a third party specialist service like Wise. Use this guide to sending money with Google Pay to get you started.

Learn more about Wise

Frequently asked questions

Can Google Pay send money instantly?

How long it takes to send money with Google Pay depends on how you pay. Pay by debit card or using your Google Pay balance for the fastest delivery time.

Why can't I send money on Google Pay?

The Google Pay send money service is only available to customers in select countries, including the US. If you’re in the US and are struggling to send a payment it may be because the recipient hasn’t got the latest version of the Google Pay app, or they may not be in a country that supports receiving Google Pay payments.

Google Pay
Send money with Google Pay
Send money with Google Pay internationally
Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information
Speed: The speed of transaction claim depends on funds availability, approval by Wise's proprietary verification system and systems availability of our partners' banking system, and may not be available for all transactions
PayPal fees

All sources checked on 15 May 2023

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.