The company is rolling out a number of updates that capitalize on its integrations with other Google products, including Android and the Chrome browser. This week, for instance, customers checking out with Google Pay will be able to see their card benefits and perks before choosing a card, use "buy now, pay later" through partners like Affirm and Zip, and enter card details using biometrics or a PIN, rather than punching in their security code.

The moves are geared to make the consumer experience of using Google Pay more enjoyable and a more competitive alternative to other payment methods - that can include the developer or retailer's built-in payment system, which is often powered by businesses such as Stripe, as well as rival payment services from other tech giants, such as Apple, Amazon and PayPal, among others.

Perhaps the most compelling of the new features just starting to roll out is the ability to see what benefits and rewards each of the cards offers before selecting one. Google acknowledges that consumers who hold multiple credit cards, with different perks attached to each, may not always remember which card to use when. For instance, some cards might be travel-related, while others may be based more on dining perks or cash back. Now, when a user clicks into the Card Number field to select a card from a list of saved payment methods, Google Pay will present relevant card benefits associated with each card.

The feature is launching with American Express and Capital One cards but will add more cards to the roster in the future, according to Google. It only works on Chrome desktop at this time.

One of the new features added is the "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) option when checking out. Google had tested this last year, but it is now going to roll it out to more merchant sites and Android apps across the U.S. To complement its offering, Google has partnered with BNPL firms like Affirm and Zip. At checkout, those users can sign in to their existing accounts with these providers or sign up with a provider from the checkout screen, it says.

In addition, the company is making it easier to confirm the card of choice without having to enter its security code-a number that people often have to manually look up.

Instead, Google will allow Chrome and Android users to authenticate card details in the same manner as they unlock their Android devices. Users will be able to authenticate their card with either a fingerprint or a face scan or their screen lock PIN. Users will also have an option to set up device unlock, which will require the user to unlock the device before displaying card details. This feature keeps card information safe from those who might have access to the device.
New features begin rolling out today to Google Pay on the web and to Android.