We'll explain more about the new Google Pay app below.

So if you see that a store accepts Google Pay, that means you'll need the Google Wallet app now, not Pay. This is where it gets a bit convoluted: Physical store locations still accept 'Google Pay,' Google's NFC tap-to-pay system, which you'll use via Google Wallet. Or, Wallet will sync with Google Maps, so if you choose a route that includes public transit and the transit system accepts Google Pay, it will show a banner with your current Wallet balance. So, for example, if you receive an email on Gmail with a delayed flight time, it'll notify you and change the stored boarding pass information. If you have something stored in Google Wallet, other Google apps on Android phones will have access to this information.

Instead, it's truly meant to be a digital wallet that saves any credit and debit cards, passes, proof of vaccination, gift cards, and coupons you'd typically keep in a physical wallet.

By rebranding to Google Wallet, Google is signaling that the app isn't just for buying things.

Google pay v samsung pay