Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 3 hrs ago
Google Wallet launches in Nigeria, but in-store taps need compatible terminals
Google Wallet has launched in Nigeria, letting Android users add eligible bank cards to the digital wallet.
The launch involves FirstBank, GTBank, UBA and Zenith Bank, though not every card from those banks is supported.
For in-store payments, a phone needs near-field communication (NFC), and the shop needs a compatible contactless terminal.
Such terminals remain uncommon in Nigeria, and some merchants would need to upgrade their equipment.
Online checkout may be easier to use for now, as Paystack and Interswitch have already added Google Pay to online payments.
The rollout uses Interswitch’s payment infrastructure and Mastercard’s technology to protect card details.
Customers can also use the app to store boarding passes, event tickets and loyalty cards.
Google Pay has launched in Nigeria for eligible Mastercard cardholders, allowing them to pay with Android phones at compatible contactless terminals.
The service is available for supported cards from FirstBank, Guaranty Trust Bank, United Bank for Africa and Zenith Bank.
Customers need an Android phone with near-field communication, and stores need terminals that accept contactless payments.
Mastercard and Interswitch brought the service to Nigerian cardholders, with Interswitch providing the connection and payment processing infrastructure.
Google’s supported-card list is narrower than the range of cards available in Nigeria, and contactless terminals remain uncommon.
- Who
- Mastercard and Interswitch brought Google Pay to eligible Mastercard cardholders in Nigeria. Supported cards are issued by FirstBank, GTBank, UBA and Zenith Bank.
- What
- Eligible customers can add supported cards to Google Wallet and pay with an Android phone at compatible contactless terminals.
- When
- Google announced the launch on October 28, 2026.
- Where
- Nigeria.
- Why
- The launch gives eligible cardholders another way to pay and extends access to wallet-based contactless payments.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Interswitch announced collaborations with five Nigerian banks to support tap-to-pay transactions across digital wallets and banking applications.
UBA said it had switched on Google Pay for its cardholders.
Google announced the launch of Google Wallet, including Google Pay, in Nigeria.
- Eligible card issuers
- FirstBank, GTBank, UBA and Zenith Bank
- Required phone feature
- Near-field communication (NFC)
- Terminal requirement
- Contactless-enabled payment terminal
- Launch date
- October 28, 2026
- Infrastructure partners
- Mastercard and Interswitch
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Our work has helped establish the issuer connectivity, tokenization and payment processing capabilities required to bring ‘tap-to-pay’ and wallet-based payments to Nigerian consumers