When using Android Pay for online purchases, users have complained of the annoying 'Google Payments PIN'. However, there's no need to worry much since it will not be around for long. Before the arrival of Android Pay, the state of Google Wallet can be described as one that was a grape withering on the vine. When Android Pay finally made its entrance, many people rushed to get their cards updated into the app. Those who were lucky were the ones with cards that were supported from a bank that was partnering with Google during the launch as it was a tap and pay experience. The not-so-lucky ones were those who had the unsupported card types as they had to use a screen lock that was secure and then enter a code for Google Payments during making of payments as well some more taps to get the process done. There is no explanation from Google so far for this phenomenon. However, a few tips could help you avoid that PIN code as well as help you understand what's actually going on.
Actually, Android Pay is only supposed to use card types that are supported by the banks they have partnered with as well as card issuers. This is because the process is made more secure as you talk directly to the bank while you make your transactions. It also made this useful in that you can get data for reward points and detailed histories of all your transactions. Users with the supported card types do not have to sweat at all.
However, the issue of Android Pay allowing unsupported card types makes the whole affair a bit confusing. This need arose when the handover from Google Wallet was taking place as there was need to keep many users getting a taste of the new app since the banks that were supported by Android Pay at the time were only ten. Google Wallet was characterized by its many hurdles due to the fact that it used a totally different system that did not have any cooperation involving banks. Every time you needed to make a transaction, the purchase was actually made using Bancorp Bank's virtual prepaid debit card then the amount was charged to your own bank, making the whole process so clumsy. The most annoying part was of course the use of a PIN code to make the payment.
Getting away from this Google Payments PIN stands as the best alternative for you. Number one option is to simply get a card from a bank that is supported by Android Pay. Google has a list of all its supported partners. You can also tell whether your card is supported by opening the Android Pay app and then tap the card that's in question to view its details as well as the option on 'Change Google Payments PIN'. If the option avails itself, then that means that your card is the unsupported type.
However, Google is giving the consolation that the unsupported cards thing is only temporary. However, nobody can actually tell how long the wait will be, so it's better getting updated with the supported cards.
Users of Android Pay with unsupported card types are also advised to urge their banks to step up their game by adding Android Pay support. The pressure mounted on banks could prompt them to act since Google is also willing to work with as many banks as possible.