Why Google Wallet is better than Apple Pay.

Having discovered NFC, Apple fans now believe that Apple Pay is da bomb. Well, NFC would certainly be awesome, but there are some things NFC can't buy, because it's not everywhere you want to be (puns intended).

To bridge that (extremely wide) gap in NFC availability, you need another payment option. Google Wallet filled that gap with a debit card that is tied to your Google Wallet.

The Google Wallet debit card

Obviously, you could just carry around a credit card with your phone. However, as you've seen in the news just about every other week, there are widespread vulnerabilities in merchant transaction systems, and no matter how guarded you are with your credit / debit cards, you'll never know when someone has stolen your card and used it.

That's where Google's debit card is a huge improvement over current protocols, and makes Google Wallet a superior platform compared to Apple Pay. You see, the second any transaction goes through with your Wallet debit card, it rings up on your Wallet app on your smart phone -- you will never have another unauthorized transaction escape your view, ever.

Instant notification of purchases on your Wallet app

And, your debit card balance is limited to what you put into it. No longer will thieves have the ability to take every cent out of your checking account (that is linked to your debit card), resulting in your having to wait weeks for your bank to clear your account and return that stolen money.

During my trip in Hawai'i, I limited my pocket to my Google Wallet card, my smart phone, some cash, and my ID. Apple Pay is a one-trick pony. Google Wallet has many tricks under its belt that add up to a stronger ecosystem.

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Update:
The technology behind Wallet and Apple Pay -- NFC -- is also behind MasterCard's PayPass. According to the Wallet FAQ, "If you’re using the Google Wallet app on an Android device, you can tap your phone to pay anywhere MasterCard® PayPass is accepted."

This means Subway, McDonalds, Peets, Chevron, Nike, Macy's, Walgreens, New Seasons, Whole Foods, Uwajimaya, and even Home Depot, can be used with your Android phone and Wallet, or your iPhone 6.

Of course as I wrote previously, there are benefits to using Wallet over Apple Pay. Live your life accordingly.