Google has roped another of the big four banks in the United States and is expanding Android Pay checkout options through mobile web.
In a blog post dated Sept. 7, Wednesday, Google announced that the Chase bank, a subsidiary JPMorgan Chase banking corporation, has joined the list of Android Pay supported banks. Hence, Chase customers on Android can now add their Visa cards, such as United Mileage Explorer, Slate, Freedom, Sapphire and Hyatt, to Android's digital wallet platform.
"It's with great delight that we welcome Chase," writes Pali Bhat, global head of payments products. "Customers will be able to enjoy the same benefits and protections they're used to getting with their Chase card — while making contactless purchases in stores and apps."
Android Pay now supports close to 300 banks within the U.S., UK, Australia and Singapore. The list ranges from the 1st Advantage FCU down to the Zions Bank.
Google has also been working with some of its merchant partners to provide better rewards and savings for those that opt to pay through Android Pay. A good example is Android Pay's integration with Walgreens' loyalty program, Balance Rewards. Walgreens currently has more than 8,100 physical locations within the U.S. Similar loyalty program integrations with Android Pay are also teased for restaurant chain Chili's and Dunkin' Donuts.
Android Pay also managed to integrate itself into Uber's Payment rewards program, which the transportation network company released a couple of months ago so users can discover, track and redeem rewards through the Uber mobile app. Android Pay users within the U.S. get a 50 percent discount off of 10 Uber rides, which lasts until Oct. 15. No codes are needed to claim discounts for the Uber rides.
On top of all the loyalty and reward program integrations, the Mountain View-based company also expanded Android Pay users' checkout options. While previously limited to mobile apps, Android Pay can now be used on the mobile web through affiliated sites such as 1-800-Flowers.com and Groupon.com. Google promises that more sites will be added.
"Just like in stores and in apps, Android Pay does not share actual account numbers with merchants, so users can shop online with confidence," Bhat assures Android Pay users that they can shop online without worrying about their card's security.
Note that aside from the Android Pay app itself, users need an NFC-enabled device that is running Android 4.4 KitKat or later versions of the mobile OS.
