cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/15358017

Google Pay alternative?

Hey there, I’m looking for an alternative to Google pay that’ll allow me to use NFC payments etc. Thoughts?

  • @RubberElectronsOPEnglish
    30•6 months ago

    Oh cool, didn’t realize USD has NFC support!

    • themeatbridgeEnglish
      10•6 months ago

      Most modern credit cards have NFC chips for tap to pay.

      • @RubberElectronsOPEnglish
        -1•6 months ago

        I’ve got two cards so equipped… common knowledge at this point. Who was your response aimed at?

        • themeatbridgeEnglish
          3•6 months ago

          You seem to be confused about what NFC is and does. You don’t need an app to use NFC. You can just use regular money via a bank card.

          • @RubberElectronsOPEnglish
            2•6 months ago

            I wanted NFC for payments if that were possible. I also need NFC for things like gym access, where it appears they’re using the NFC system to grant access. Adoption of that process unfortunately uses Google pay.

            Want, vs need in a single question.

            • @solrizeEnglish
              3•6 months ago

              Apps in general can use the phone’s NFC hardware if that’s what you’re asking. But they can’t authenticate to the payment networks unless they have special credentials like Google pay. And they will generally detect whether your phone has been rooted, which gets in the way of degoogling. If you really want to degoogle, you have to root your phone.

              I just don’t understand why NFC is better than a credit card. Cards support contactless payment these days, so you just tap against the card terminal. My phone has NFC and I have some ideas for it, but am fine using a credit card for card payments.

              • @RubberElectronsOPEnglish
                1•6 months ago

                I don’t need it instead of my credit card, but I don’t ride the train often enough to bring the NFC card along. Ideally it’d live on my phone for when I do need it.

                The real issue is how tightly integrated with Google pay everything is. I’m simply looking for at least some of the features gpay has without using gpay.

                If I could at least use my phone to NFC my gym as well as my train rides, I’d be very happy. Credit card payments, I don’t care as much.

                • @solrizeEnglish
                  2•6 months ago

                  Maybe I’m just an old fart but this is baffling to me. Don’t you have a wallet? Put your credit card in it.

                  • @RubberElectronsOPEnglish
                    1•6 months ago

                    I… Do? What about the other stuff that uses gPay?

    • @solrizeEnglish
      4•6 months ago

      Enough USD can support anything. And for privacy all that phone app stuff doesn’t come close. Why degoogle just to throw yourself into yet another spyware app? Anyway the obvious competitor is Apple. Or you could use an ordinary credit card instead of a phone.

      • @[email protected]English
        6•6 months ago

        It seems like the question is ’ can I use NFC without being tied to a major network?'.

        Why bash that? Seems like a legitimate question to me.

        I think the answer is you can’t, with caveats, some prepaid cards might allow it, but you may not be able to do it on your phone.

        I haven’t had a bank account or credit card in a decade, so I’m with you on paying in cash. I also realize that doesn’t work for most people.