
Samsung does have tap to pay on some of its Android devices, but not all of them. The Galaxy S21 series and later models support tap to pay, allowing users to make contactless payments with their phone.
To use tap to pay on a Samsung Android device, you'll need to have a compatible phone and a supported bank account. Not all banks are compatible with Samsung's tap to pay feature.
One of the benefits of using tap to pay on a Samsung Android device is that it's convenient and easy to use. You can simply tap your phone on a contactless payment terminal to make a payment.
A different take: Why Isn't My Tap to Pay Working
How to Set Up on Your Android Device?
To set up Tap to Pay on your Android device, you'll need to follow these two important steps.
First, ensure Near Field Communication (NFC) is activated in your Android smartphone. Open Settings, type NFC in the "Search settings" bar, and ensure it's turned on.
Next, enable contactless payments for the linked card. This setting allows you to tap your credit card on the POS machine.
With these two steps completed, you're ready to use Tap to Pay on your Android device.
It's worth noting that Samsung Wallet often comes pre-installed on compatible devices, but it can be reinstalled if necessary.
Using Tap to Pay
Tap to Pay is a convenient way to make payments with your Samsung device. You can use NFC payment options anywhere, as long as the merchant has a contactless payment terminal.
Samsung Wallet supports NFC payments, a common form of technology used by tap-to-pay terminals. This means you can confidently browse through different restaurants, shops, and cafes, knowing that your Samsung Wallet is accepted in most places.
To set up Samsung Wallet on your phone, start the app, create a PIN, and follow prompts to add your payment cards. It often comes pre-installed on compatible devices, but if necessary, it can be reinstalled.
Samsung Wallet is supported by Visa Token Service, which provides a safe and simple way to make mobile payments virtually anywhere you can swipe your Visa card. From the grocery store to your favorite coffee shop and everywhere in between, you can use Samsung Wallet to make payments.
Not all merchants have NFC-compatible payment terminals, so tap to pay may not always be an option. However, many retailers have both Samsung Wallet and Google Wallet as accepted payment gateways, and the number continues to increase.
Google Wallet is the most commonly accepted platform, and it's a great alternative to Samsung Wallet if you need to make payments at a merchant that doesn't support NFC.
Intriguing read: Can You Pay Amazon with a Visa Gift Card
Security and Benefits
Samsung Pay offers simple mobile payments that can be used virtually anywhere you can swipe your Visa card.
Samsung Pay is designed to be fast, and it's also safe, making it a convenient option for those who want to make payments on the go.
Simplii Financial, a division of CIBC, is a partner of Samsung Pay, but banking services are not available in Quebec.
Using Samsung Pay is a great way to make mobile payments without having to worry about the security of your transactions.
Payment Options
Samsung offers a range of payment options, including NFC payments and Samsung Pay.
You can use Samsung Wallet for contactless payments at most places with tap-to-pay terminals, thanks to its support for NFC technology.
Samsung Pay is another option, which uses Visa security and is supported by Visa Token Service for safe and simple mobile payments.
Not all merchants have NFC-compatible payment terminals, so NFC payments may not always be an option, but many retailers accept both Google Wallet and Samsung Pay as online payment gateways.
The latest Samsung Galaxy S24 series lacks MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission) technology, which was previously used to push magnetic stripe data to non-NFC terminals.
Google Wallet is the most commonly accepted online payment platform, and it's often a better option if you need to make payments at a wider range of merchants.
If you own a top-notch Samsung device, you can use Samsung Pay, but Google Wallet often has broader merchant acceptance, and both apps can function simultaneously on your device.
Explore further: Internet Banking and Mobile Banking
Integration and Availability
Samsung Pay and Google Wallet have different device integration requirements. If you have a Samsung phone, you can install any payment service, but if you own another Android device or an iPhone, you can only use Google Wallet.
Samsung Pay is locked to Galaxy phones only, while Google Wallet is available for iPhones. Google Wallet is also available in more countries than Samsung Pay, with over 80 countries supported compared to Samsung Pay's 24 countries.
To give you a better idea, here's a comparison of the two services' availability:
Installation and Integration
If you're considering using a mobile payment service, you'll want to know about the installation and integration process.
Samsung Pay is exclusive to Galaxy phones, which means if you own a Galaxy phone, you can install any payment service, including Samsung Pay and Google Wallet. However, if you own an iPhone, you're limited to using Google Wallet.
The key difference between Samsung Pay and Google Wallet is the devices they support. Samsung Pay is locked to Galaxy phones only, whereas Google Wallet is available for Android devices and iPhones.
Here's a quick rundown of the supported devices for each service:
- Samsung Pay: Galaxy phones only
- Google Wallet: Android devices and iPhones
Regional Availability and Card Support

Samsung Pay is available in more than 24 countries. Google Wallet, on the other hand, has a broader reach with over 80 countries supported. Both services work seamlessly with almost any card in the US.
Most newly added banks to these services are smaller local networks and credit unions. It's surprising to find that there are so many supported banks that it's hard to find ones that aren't listed.
Google Wallet and Samsung Pay also support membership cards, gift cards, and transit passes in a few places. Some airlines have even added plane tickets to the mix. However, the app relies on your phone number for logins.
Broaden your view: Find Paypal Option on Shop Pay Checkout
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Samsung Pay like Apple Pay?
While Samsung Pay and Apple Pay share similarities, they have distinct authentication methods. Samsung Pay requires fingerprint, PIN, or iris scan authentication, differing from Apple Pay's TouchID, FaceID, or PIN input.
Sources
- https://www.android.com/intl/en_in/articles/what-is-tap-to-pay/
- https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS10002612/
- https://www.samsung.com/ca/apps/samsung-pay/
- https://www.visa.co.ke/pay-with-visa/featured-technologies/samsung-pay-consumer.html
- https://www.androidpolice.com/google-wallet-vs-samsung-pay-mobile-payment-apps/
Featured Images: pexels.com