Make yourself smarter: Google Pay adds THREE handy features for easier shopping

Google Pay is introducing three new features that could make your online shopping experience easier and more transparent. Even though the Google Pay app is set to go offline in the United States on June 4, these updates are for the Google Pay payment system, not the app.

The first feature is for American Express and Capital One cardholders. When they're checking out on Chrome desktop, they'll now see the benefits they can get in the autofill drop-down menu. For example, if you're buying a round-trip flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco, your American Express Gold Card might offer three times the travel points, while a Capital One Quicksilver Card could give you 1.5 percent cash back on your purchase. Google said it would add more cards in the future.

As regard the second feature, Google Pay is expanding the ‘buy now, pay later (BNPL)’ payment option to more merchant sites and Android apps across the US. Google is working with two BNPL services —Affirm and Zip — for this expansion.

The third feature, an Autofill update, is available internationally. Shoppers on Chrome or Android can now use biometrics or their screen lock PIN to verify card details, so they won't have to enter their security code manually. If Google detects suspicious transactions, it will prevent payments from going through. Users can also set up device unlock, which asks you to unlock your smartphone to reveal full card details. This ensures that your card isn’t used by others who might have access to your device.

The Google Pay update is currently rolling out, so keep an eye out for it. And while you're here, don't forget to check out TechRadar's list of the best Android phones for 2024.