by Target is one of the most popular retailers in the world, with over 1900 stores in the United States and 20 sourcing offices around the world. They ensure that their customers are satisfied with their shopping by making it as convenient as possible.
The bullseye store offers many payment methods to reduce the long queue at their checkout. But does it also include the contactless digital payment method – Google Pay?
Google Pay is a mobile payment service developed by Google that enables users to make contactless purchases with their mobile devices.
Interesting right? Now, if you are wondering if Target accepts the Google pay method, then be assured that you are on the right page.
Does Target allow the use of Google Pay?
Yes, Target accepts Google pay along with other contactless digital wallets such as Apple pay and Samsung pay. They also incorporated the use of contactless cards from MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express.
Google Pay allows you to make payments with your Android phones, tablets, or watches, while Apple Pay and Samsung Pay allow you to make payments with Apple and Samsung devices respectively. However, the Apple pay method is not used in Target’s physical stores.
In a news report on the Target website, Mike McNamara, Target’s Chief Information Officer said, “Offering guests more ways to conveniently and quickly pay is just another way we are making it easier than ever to shop at Target.”
Related: Does Target Accept EBT Cards?
How to set-up Google Pay
First, you should check if your device supports this payment method. To do that, open the settings app on your phone and type ‘NFC’ in the search bar.
If your phone doesn’t have NFC, then you can’t make a contactless payment with it. Here are a few other requirements to meet before you can use Google Pay
- Your phone’s Android version should be Lollipop (5.0) or higher
- Your bank card that supports contactless payment
- The device must be Play protect certified
- The device must have screen lock feature
Now, back to how to set-up Google Pay service on your Android phone. Note that Google pay is new and frequently updated. Therefore, the steps may vary depending on your app version or location.
- Step 1: Enable NFC on your Android phone
- Step 2: Click on the ‘Contactless payment’ that pops up on your screen.
- Step 4: Two options will be made available on your screen; Payment Default and User Default. Tap on the first one.
- Step 5: Select Google pay as your payment default
Moreover, some features could inhibit Google pay from running on your phone. They are:
- If your device runs developer Versions of Android: Google pay uses a device that runs the original version of the Android operating system, not the developer version because of security reasons.
- If your phone is rooted, runs a custom
- ROM, or has modified factory software: These may open your phone to a security risk, and Google pay won’t run on devices that don’t meet the security requirements.
- If you are in a beta program: Google may become unreliable or not work entirely on your device if it is in a beta program. You may contact your phone manufacturer for more details.
Source: guidebooks.google.com
Read Also: Complete List of Grocery Stores that Accept Google Pay
How to use Google pay at Target
The contactless payment method is not confusing as it may seem to be. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Google pay on Target.
- Download the Google pay app from Play Store on your mobile phone
- Sign into your Google account
- Add your bank card and verify your phone number
- When at the Target checkout, unlock your phone and move it to the contactless terminal. You should note that you don’t have to open the app before you make a payment.
- Continually move your device on the contactless terminal until a blue tick appears on your phone’s screen.
Related: Does Amazon Sell Amazon Gift Cards?
How to use the contactless card at Target
Like the NFC payment method, such as Google pay, the Contact card is simple to use. Here are the steps to take to make a successful transaction:
- First, check for the Contactless symbol – a side wave symbol (a Wi-Fi symbol) on the stores’ checkout terminal
- Tap on the symbol, and when prompted, bring your card a few inches close to the reader screen.
- You will hear an ok beep or ‘thanks’ if the transaction is successful
What are other payment options in Target?
Aside from the NFC-operating apps and Target Wallet, the retail store has other alternatives for payment. They are;
Credit/debit cards
These include Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa. These cards are used in their physical stores, app, and website.
Gift cards
Target only allows its Gift cards and third-party Gift cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. They are accepted in their stores, website, and app.
PayPal
PayPal is accepted only on their website and app
Affirm
This payment method is accepted only in Target’s app
Cash
Target generally receives US dollars, but some of its stores accept Canadian Dollars or Mexican Pesos, depending on the location.
FAQs
How does NFC work?
Near Field Technology (NFC) is a short-range wireless technology that requires a distance of 4 cm or less to connect to another device. It allows your phone to serve as a transit pass or credit card for a quick transaction.
NFC digital wallets like Google pay and Apple pay interact with point-of-sale (POS) terminals through a wireless signal. The wireless signal then gives Google pay direct access to your payment network.
Does Target accept payment in Bitcoins?
No, they don’t accept payment in Bitcoins or any Cryptocurrency.
Does Target have its payment app?
Yes, it has, and it is known as Target Wallet, found within the Target app. Like Walmart pay, Target wallet uses QR code technology that allows you to scan a QR code at the checkout for the payment of your purchase.
Do Walmart and Amazon use Google pay?
No, they are yet to use the contactless digital payment method. In an article in Medium, the writer suspects the retailers are afraid that hackers could use NFC apps to gain access to their systems.
Instead, Walmart offers its own Quick Read (QR) code payment app – Walmart pay. It also accepts other QR code apps that don’t give access to its payment system.
Takeaway…
One of Target’s aims is to ensure customers’ happiness by making available fast payment methods and reducing the long queue at the checkout. Google pay is a contactless payment method that works with Android phones with NFC and Safe Protect.
If your Android phone does not have NFC, you shouldn’t bother making payments through Google pay.
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