You can “select if you’ll need to verify it’s you when using your payment methods and passes in Wallet” with the new “Verification settings” in Google Wallet for Android.

Select whether using products from your Wallet requires you to prove who you are. Your device lock configuration, such as a PIN or fingerprint, will be used for verification.

Locate the new “Security” heading in Google Wallet by opening it, tapping your profile picture, and choosing Wallet settings. Right now, the only thing found on the Verification settings page is “Transit payments”: “Verification before paying for the bus, metro, and more with a credit or debit card.”

The “reader will look for transit cards first,” according to Google, and they “never require verification.” A “credit or debit card may be charged” if none are present.

The “Verification required” toggle, which is on by default, can be turned off. This means that even when your phone is locked, you won’t have to prove that it’s you before using your default credit or debit card to pay for transit. You will continue to use this card to authenticate all further payments. This might expedite transactions on public transportation significantly.

This update comes after rumors that, regardless of transaction amount, Google Wallet in certain countries is now requiring device unlocks for tap-to-pay (store) transactions.

Topics #Google Wallet #Verification settings