Google Pay is a useful way to pay in stores without a physical card and to exchange funds between friends, but after being revamped in late 2020, it can do more. You can earn a lot of cashback and rewards with the new Google Pay app — here are which promos are available now and how to use them.
This article is being continuously updated with the latest Google Pay promos available in the United States.
Table of contents
What is Google Pay?
Google Pay serves three purposes. First, it’s the core of how NFC payments are handled on Android smartphones around the world. That in-store payment option lets you pay only with your smartphone instead of pulling out your wallet. Neat!
Second, Google Pay handles all of your payment options that are linked to your Google account. This includes credit and debit cards, linked payment methods such as PayPal, and even bank accounts that you can use to pay for subscriptions with Google and third-party apps and sites through Google Pay.
Finally, Google Pay is also an app similar to Venmo and Cash App by Square, which allows users to send payments to their peers and receive funds as well. Beyond that, the app allows its users to track their spending habits by linking a bank account. It’ll show where you’re spending your money and give you tips too. The app can even find specific purchases based on useful search terms. Used to its full potential, it’s a very powerful app. Google has a breakdown of everything on YouTube.
Google Pay Rewards: What’s currently available?
Beyond those core functions, though, are a collection of rewards, referrals, and cashback offers that can let Google Pay earn money for you.
Google Pay Spring Challenge — Valid until May 3
Through April and May 2021, Google Pay is offering a special rewards program that challenges users to collect “stickers,” which are earned through different tasks within the app. You can collect stickers from tasks such as in-store payments, sending payments to contact, inviting people to Google Pay, and trying out different features within the app. Redeeming cashback offers and even sending stamps to other people can help you earn this Google Pay reward with winnings of $30 for completing all challenges.
The Google Pay Spring Challenge reward is valid from April 12 through May 3.
Google Pay Referral Rewards — Boosted until May 4
You can always earn free cash from Google Pay Referral Rewards, but occasionally, those rewards are boosted. From April 27 through May 3, 2021, Google Pay is boosting referral credits from their normal $5 up to $15.
These rewards are earned by sending a referral link to someone who’s never used Google Pay before, at least the new app. Once they download the app, sign in with their Google account, and make some sort of financial purchase or payment, both parties get a credit. The referrer gets $15 during this boosted referral period, while the new user gets $5 added to their account. There’s a three-referral limit to the bonus, though, so you’ll only be able to earn $45 at most. You can read more on this current reward here.
Last updated April 29, 2021
How can I get cashback in Google Pay?
Cashback is perhaps the easiest way to earn essentially free money when using Google Pay. Powered by Rakuten, these cashback options are available through many different online and brick-and-mortar retailers. These cashback offers are redeemed by going into the Google Pay app on the left-most “Explore” tab. As you scroll down the page, you’ll see various cashback offers, which specify their retailer, where they can be redeemed, and how much cashback you’ll get in the form of Google Pay credits.
To redeem a credit, just tap the “+” icon off to the right to activate the offer. You’ll also need to link an eligible card to Google Pay to take advantage of these various offers. Once one is active, all you need to do is complete the purchase to reap the rewards. Almost any card linked to your Google Pay can be used for cashback offers.
During the week of April 26, 2021, some of the best cashback offers in Google Pay include:
- Etsy — 20% cashback on any $35+ transaction
- Lyft — 10% cashback on any Lyft ride
- — $20 cashback on any purchase over $100
- Panera — 15% cashback on $10+ spend
- — 20% cashback online or in-store on $50+
Where do I get Google Pay?
Google Pay is available completely free of charge, and primarily, it’s designed to be used on your smartphone. You can download the app on Android and iOS, the Android version supporting NFC payments on compatible smartphones too. You’ll only be able to use Google Pay on one device at a time, though.
Author: Ben Schoon
Source: 9TO5Google
