Google Pay has occupied the front row seat for one of the most used online payment apps. But what other options does the US tech scene offer? Let’s have a look.
PayPal
PayPal is a digital wallet best recognized for powering a large portion of the world’s daily e-commerce transactions. PayPal accounts can be used to buy things online and in applications, send and receive money, make in-person payments using a PayPal debit or credit card, or link your PayPal account to a mobile payment service like Google Pay. In addition, PayPal can be used with Google Pay and Samsung Pay to make mobile payments much more accessible, while PayPal and Apple Pay have fewer possibilities.
Why PayPal?
Security
Organizations may have direct exposure to your payment information when you pay for things online with your debit or credit card. PayPal offers an extra layer of protection by guaranteeing that merchants never see your personal data. PayPal also employs several security measures, such as end-to-end data encryption, optional two-factor account logins, and transaction email confirmations.
Convenience
PayPal is presently the sixth most common payment option, after Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, and is accepted by millions of online shops. You can also use PayPal to make a payment using your connected cards without having to retype your card numbers. To make a PayPal purchase, you just have to memorize (or save) your PayPal account number.
Venmo
Venmo enables you to send and receive money without using cash. For example, you can use Venmo to split a dinner bill with a coworker, pay for your share of a taxi journey with your aunt, or send your roommate half of your monthly rent.
Venmo’s capabilities, however, extend much beyond that.
- Venmo’s Mastercard debit card can be used to make transactions everywhere Mastercard is accepted in the United States.
- Pay for purchases from authorized Venmo partners using Venmo applications and mobile websites.
- Make a purchase using Venmo by scanning a QR code in the store.
- Apply for a Venmo debit card or set up direct deposit to verify your identification and cash certain checks.
- Enroll in direct deposit to have the paycheck sent directly to your Venmo account two days before your regular payday.
- Get price alerts for four different types of cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash), which you may purchase, sell, or hold using Venmo.
Why Venmo?
- It’s simple to transfer and receive money and shop online.
- Unless you make certain types of transactions or receive money as a small business owner, there are rarely fees.
- Making payments easy and entertaining includes interactive social features and colorful emoticons.
- Debit and credit cards are available.
Apple Pay
Apple Pay is a contactless payment mechanism that is compatible with Apple devices. It was designed to motivate people to abandon their wallets in favor of a world where your debit and credit cards are saved on your iPhone or Apple Watch, enabling you to pay with your gadget rather than a card.
Why Apple Pay?
Top-notch Security
Apple Pay is a safe payment solution that prioritizes privacy. It contains security protections incorporated into both the hardware and software of compatible devices, allowing users’ transactions and financial information to be protected. This involves using biometrics, such as fingerprint scanners and face recognition, to help with authentication.
Recurring Payments
Recurring bill payments are popular among consumers since they simplify the payment process and help to avoid late fees and other penalties. Users can set up regular payments with Apple Pay without filling out forms or modifying account settings on their billers or bank’s website. Moreover, it is possible to make one-time, future-dated bill payments.
Cash App
Cash App is a peer-to-peer payments app that allows users to rapidly transfer, receive, and invest money. Block, Inc. (previously Square, Inc.) released the app (formerly known as Square Cash) in 2013 to combat mobile payment apps such as Venmo and PayPal.
Cash App is not a bank but rather a financial platform. Through its bank partners, it offers financial services and debit cards. Cash App Investment LLC, a broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and a member of the Financial Industry Regulation Authority, provides investing services (FINRA).
Why Cash App?
- The UI and setup are straightforward.
- Allows you to purchase Bitcoin and stocks.
- Can deposit money into your bank account regularly
- Tax-filing software
Zelle
When both the sender and the receiver are already registered with Zelle at their financial institution or in the Zelle app, you can send and receive money in minutes to people who have a bank account in the United States.
Why Zelle?
- There are no charges.
- More than 1,000 banks and credit unions in the United States offer it.
- Money is transferred quickly; cash received using Zelle is often available to the recipient within minutes.
- Earn interest on money held in Zelle-linked checking and savings accounts.
Conclusion
This article has covered five online payment apps that are not Google Pay but will get the job done. All you need is to download these apps and enjoy your journey with virtual payments.
