What to do when Google Pay payment fails? (Full Guide)
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What to do when Google Pay payment fails? (Full Guide)

Have you ever found yourself at a shopping mall checkout counter, about to pay for your purchases, with no hard cash–just depending on your digital wallet? Suddenly, the cashless transaction doesn’t go through. When you’re really counting on something to work, it’s frustrating (and embarrassing) when you’re let down.

Here's how to fix Google Pay payment issues
Here’s how to fix Google Pay payment issues

For many Android users out there, Google Pay or G Pay is one app that is so helpful in many ways — online and store payments, bank transfers, and more. The system works very simply: with just a few taps on your Android device or a tap on the terminal then you’re good to go. Plus, it works on smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches!

But no matter how smoothly the system usually works, sometimes you can encounter a glitch. Normally, this translates for users as a failed transaction or a payment that doesn’t go through.

But not to worry, this article details what to do when Google Pay goes on the blink. So, the next time a G Pay transaction fails, you’ll know how to fix it.

Why does Google Pay payment fail?

Before jumping into the ways to fix a Google Pay error, we need to pinpoint first why the system fails in the first place. This way you won’t waste your time looking in the wrong place for the problem and will be able to jump to the right solution.

Possible reasons why Google Pay fails:

  • The store terminal does not support contactless payments
  • You don’t have an internet connection
  • A new Token Key is required
  • The Near Field Communications (NFC) is disabled on your device
  • The card you’re using is not activated, blocked, or closed
  • The card you’re using has insufficient funds or limit for your transaction
  • The bank’s system is offline
  • An incorrect card PIN was entered at the terminal

Mainly, there are two reasons for the system’s fail –– either the bank server is not responding right away or you have reached your account’s limit and have insufficient funds. Nevertheless, it’s also important that you take note of the minor issues that may sometimes cause Google Pay to fail. Now, let’s get into the fixes, shall we?

Related:

Samsung Pay vs Google Pay (GPay) – A Point to Point Comparison

How to Use Google Pay in Store in 2021: The Ultimate Guide

Samsung Pay vs Google Pay – A Comparison

Fixes on Google Pay errors

Faced with this situation? Here’s what you can do:

  1. Check bank balance
  2. Try again
  3. Call up your bank
  4. Check daily transaction limit
  5. Check internet connection
  6. You need a new token key
  7. Set up Google Pay again
  8. Contact Google Pay

1. Check your bank balance

Check your bank balance
Check your bank balance

When you want to pay for something through Google Pay, but it fails, sometimes the amount is deducted from your bank but wasn’t received by the store. The first thing to do is to check whether the amount was deducted. However, most probably you won’t find a deduction–but check just to be sure!

Also, another important point you need to check is your bank balance! You will see whether your account has sufficient funds or you have exceeded your fund limit. Maybe it’s the reason why the transaction failed.

2. Try again

If the amount has not been deducted from your account, then try to send the payment again. Sometimes, the system just needs you to give it another go.

Also, it would be better if you use Google Pay in the early wee hours of the morning or at night when the bank servers aren’t that busy.

3. Give your bank a call

If you have re-tried to send the payment many times and you still face the same problem, then you should contact your bank. Sometimes, it’s the bank servers that are at fault for a failed Google Pay transaction.

Good thing, banks now have a toll-free number that you can call and ask for help. Or, you can always go to your nearest bank and ask for their assistance.

Also read:

How to Send Money Through Google Pay: A General Guide

How to Use Google Pay – The Ultimate Guide for Android Users

Google Pay has added support to 13 more banks and credit unions in the U.S. in July 2019

4. Check daily transaction limit

What many don’t know is that Google Pay has a daily transaction limit of a maximum of $100 per transaction. Anything greater than that requires your PIN. All in all, Google Pay has a daily limit of a total of $1,200.

This total daily transaction limit is shared with the Visa Debit or Credit card that the app is linked to. The app is a virtual image of the physical card so it shares the same card number.

5. Check your internet connection

Internet connection or data is needed to use Google Pay
Internet connection or data is needed to use Google Pay

An internet connection is needed to use Google Pay. Thus, if you aren’t connected to one, chances are, your transactions will fail. Check your Wi-Fi or data connection. If the signal is weak, more often than now, the transaction will fail too!

6. You need a new Token Key

To make a Google Pay payment, you will need to have a valid Token Key. This is why a stable internet connection is very important. You will need it to be able to download the Token Keys periodically on the Google Pay app.

If you have used up all your available Token Keys, you can’t use Google Pay until new keys are available.

7. Set up Google Pay again

Sometimes, setting up your Google Pay app again helps when you’re faced with this situation. Important things to remember:

  • Make sure your card details in Google Pay are up to date.
  • Submit extra information as the system requires

8. Contact Google Pay

If you have come to this point, there’s not really much that you can do. If you have tried many fixes and you’re still stuck, it’s time to contact Google Pay. You will need to fill-out a Google Pay contact form.

contact google pay support

You will fill in several pieces of information such as name, phone number, email address, transaction ID, date, amount, etc. The support team will get back to you and assist you further with your problem.

Fortunately, if the payment failed but the amount was deducted from your bank account, there’s no need to worry as Google Pay will automatically refund it. If not, you will have to raise your concern with the support team.

Suggested reads:

Who Accepts Google Pay? (Stores, Banks, Countries)

How to Request Money on Google Pay: Request or Pay a Request

How to Use Google Pay on iPhone & iPad

FAQs

Why can’t I pay using Google Pay?

Google Pay only works on Android smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. Although, in India and the US, it works on iOS devices, albeit with limitations. Also, it’s not automatic on your Android device. You need to make sure that your device supports contactless payments.

Why isn’t Google Pay working?

As mentioned earlier in this article, there are many possible reasons as to why. It’s not always a broken terminal. Refer to the above to see the other reasons why Google Pay sometimes doesn’t work.

Why is Google declining my payment?

If your transaction is declined, check if the message “Verification Needed” is displayed below the card in your Google Pay wallet. If you see this message, you’ll need to complete the verification process by requesting a one-time passcode. Until you have completed the verification, you won’t be able to use Google Pay.

Is Google Pay available in every country?

Unfortunately, Google Pay is not available in every country. You can use Google Pay in Australia, Canada, India, Japan, Russia, Singapore, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Check out this list to know who accepts Google Pay.

How to contact Google Pay support?

There are multiple ways to contact Google Pay. The easiest way to contact Google Pay is from the Google Pay app. Tap on your profile picture and tap Settings, Next, tap ‘Help & Feedback’. You can reach them out through the toll free number 1-800-419-0157.

How to check bank balance on Google Pay?

To check your bank balance on Google Pay, open the Google Pay app and scroll down to locate ‘View account balance’ and tap it. Enter your PIN and your bank balance will be displayed.

What is the daily transaction limit on Google Pay?

The daily transaction limit on Google Pay is $1200.

No system is perfect

As helpful and advanced as the system is, nothing is perfect. Google Pay is not immune to all the usual problems. Hopefully, with the fixes above, you will be able to get yourself out of an embarrassing situation when you’re faced with any Google Pay issues.

Did any of the above suggestions help you with your Google Pay problems? Let us know in the comment section below!

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