Is There a Google Pay Limit?

Academy · 27 February 2020Revolut Contributor

Google Pay, or GPay, combines the functions of Android Pay and Google Wallet, allowing you to pay with your phone in-store and online. But is there a Google Pay limit on transactions?

The short answer is no: there is no limit placed by Google on the number or value of in-store transactions. However, stores themselves may have a Google Pay contactless limit – in the same way that they will often have a £30 limit for standard contactless card transactions. Where there’s no such limit and transactions are over £30, authentication is required.

So no, in practice, there is no Google Pay limit. However, in reality, you may be affected by transaction limits that are beyond Google’s control. Let’s take a look at Google Pay limits in more detail...

Is There a Limit on Google Pay?

Currently, Google Pay does not set a limit on the value of transactions in the UK. However, given that every GPay transaction is essentially a collaboration between Google, your bank, and the retailer, the other two players may limit higher-value transactions.

In the UK, the limit for contactless card payments is £30. This is to keep card fraud to a minimum, whilst exceeding the £25 average for supermarket shops. Recently, the law changed so that every fifth contactless card transaction will prompt you to enter your PIN. The same will happen if your daily contactless payments reach £137. This is now the law in the UK.

This new rule will not affect how Google Pay functions at all, however, as Google Pay is considered much safer than standard contactless transactions.

As such, there will still be, in some retailers, a £30 limit on Google Pay transactions, reflecting the contactless card cap. Other stores, such as M&S, Ikea, and John Lewis, are happy for you to spend over £30. It all depends on the decisions of the retailer and your bank.

So, I Can Pay With Google Pay Over £30?

Yes, you can pay at some stores with Google Pay for transactions over £30.

However, you will need to provide authentication for higher value transactions – just as you would with chip-and-PIN. This is to keep Google Pay safe by preventing other people from using your phone. You’ll just have to unlock your device – with your fingerprint, pattern, or password.

Your bank may also impose limits and restrictions on your use of Google Pay transactions. These will differ from bank to bank and may affect your ability to make transactions over £30.

All of these Google Pay limits will differ from country to country. What is written here is true of the UK. In Australia, for example, Google Pay transactions are limited to $100 a transaction and $1200 a day.

Is There a Google Pay Transaction Limit Per Day?

Just as there are no limits imposed by Google on the value of GPay transactions, there are also no limits to the number of daily transactions, either. However, this is another thing on which your bank might impose its own restrictions.

Is There a Limit on Google Pay Transactions Online or In-app?

In the same way as there are no limits for in-store payments, there is no Google Pay limit on in-app transactions. You are free to spend as much as you like. In the USA, there remains a Google Pay limit for peer-to-peer payments. However, this payment service, known as “Google Pay Send”, has been stopped in the United Kingdom as of September 2019.

Note: If you’re in the USA and want to send money by email or phone number, be aware of Google Pay limits. They are $10,000 in a single transaction or any given week, with transfers over $2,500 requiring the addition of a bank account. Florida residents, meanwhile, can transfer $3,000 every 24 hours.

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