Google Wallet Is Now in Nigeria: How to Set It Up and Which Bank Cards Work

Paying for something online usually means reaching for your bank card, entering its details and waiting for the payment to go through. In a physical store, it often means carrying the card around and hoping the payment terminal works.

Google Wallet was designed to make some of these steps easier, and starting October 28 Nigerian users can finally start using the service with eligible bank cards along with Google Pay. 

But downloading the app does not mean every Nigerian bank card will work with it, or that every shop will accept payment from your phone.   

Here is what you need to know before getting started.   

What Is Google Wallet, and How Does Google Pay Work?  

Google Wallet is an app that lets you keep supported payment cards, boarding passes, event tickets, and loyalty cards in one place on your phone. Google Pay, meanwhile, is the payment service that allows you to use eligible cards to pay online, in apps, and at supported physical payment terminals.  

The two work together, but they do different things.   

For Nigerian users, this means you can add an eligible bank card to Google Wallet and select Google Pay when paying on a supported website or app. Where contactless payments are supported, you can also use your phone instead of taking out your physical card. You still need money in your account or available credit, and the transaction must be approved by your bank.  

The service is available on compatible Android devices, but not every feature works on every device or in every country. Google Wallet can store passes and other items even when contactless payments are unavailable.   

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Which Nigerian Banks and Cards Support Google Wallet? 

Google’s current support page names four Nigerian banks: FirstBank, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Zenith Bank. However, the type of card you have matters just as much as the bank you use. Having an account with one of these banks does not automatically mean every card linked to it will work.  

FirstBank supports Mastercard debit cards, while GTBank supports Mastercard debit and prepaid cards. Zenith Bank supports Mastercard credit, debit, and prepaid cards. UBA supports Mastercard credit, debit and prepaid cards, as well as Visa prepaid cards. These are the card types listed on Google's official supported cards page at the time of writing.  

This means customers using Verve cards, or cards from other banks and fintech companies that aren't on the list, should not assume they can add them.  

But the list may change as more banks join the service, so check Google's page before trying to set up your card You can also contact your bank to confirm whether your particular card is eligible.  

How to Set Up Google Wallet on Your Android Phone  

Getting started is fairly simple. Follow these steps to add your bank card to Google Wallet.  

Step 1: Download Google Wallet

Open the Google Play Store, search for Google Wallet and install the app if it is not already on your phone.  

Step 2: Open the app

Sign in with your Google account if prompted, then tap “Add to Wallet.  

Step 3: Select your card type

Choose “Payment card,” then select “New credit or debit card.  

Step 4: Enter your card details

Scan your card using your phone’s camera or enter the details manually.  

Step 5: Save and verify your card

Tap “Save and continue” and accept your bank’s terms. Your bank may ask you to verify the card through a text message, its mobile banking app or another available method.  

Step 6: Complete the setup

Follow any remaining instructions in the app. Once your card has been added successfully, check which payment features are available for your card in Nigeria.  

Google provides a full setup guide if you need more help. If your bank offers an “Add to GPay” option in its mobile app, you may also be able to start the process there.   

Google Wallet is not available for iPhone users in Nigeria, as the service requires a compatible Android device.  

Can You Tap Your Phone to Pay in Nigerian Stores?  

This is where you need to be careful.   

Although Google's launch announcement describes contactless payments, its Nigeria availability page currently lists the Wallet app as available but contactless payments as unavailable. This conflicts with the launch announcement and reports from participating banks, which describe tap-to pay services for eligible customers. The published information is therefore not fully consistent.