Hey there, I’m looking for an alternative to Google pay that’ll allow me to use NFC payments etc. Thoughts?
I don’t have a Google account, nor am I interested in opening one.
E: Just to clarify, the payment part would be convenient, more annoying is how I don’t get to use a single place for my subway/gym/ticketmaster passes.
NFC payments need to be insured against fraud, and basically operate like a bank or payment processer like Visa or MasterCard. With such a high barrier to entry, Google, Apple, and Samsung are the only ones with the infrastructure and the interest in providing those services.
The next best thing is a card with an NFC chip.
I suppose it’s fine to use my card, but more annoying is how I can’t store ticketmaster/subway passes/gym passes without Google involved.
Google is providing a platform to make all those things convenient so that they can capture and control the data market. Setting up the infrastructure to support all of those things, and getting it out there for everyone to use, is phenomenally expensive. Google is essentially giving it away to most users, because the value is knowing which concerts you attend, which subway lines you use, and when you go to the gym.
Being intentional about your personal data security means recognizing that certain conveniences only exist to collect your data. It’s like getting a free gift with purchase, and you want to know where you can just get the free gift.
Well aware of the intent, looking to see if there’s some option hitherto unknown. So far, looks like no, and I’m ok with doing things ‘manually’ if that’s the case.