GTCO Brings Google Pay to Both Sides of the Checkout

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, known as GTCO, announced that two of its subsidiaries began supporting Google Pay in Nigeria on the day it launched. Customers using Guaranty Trust Bank Limited, or GTBank, can add their debit cards to Google Wallet and use Google Pay for transactions, both online and internationally. Businesses using Squad, the payment gateway operated by GTCO's subsidiary HabariPay, can now offer Google Pay to customers at checkout.

For GTBank customers, the process is straightforward. They simply add their debit card to Google Wallet once. Subsequent purchases require only selecting Google Pay at checkout, picking their saved card, and confirming the transaction without re-entering card details. This eliminates the need to type a card number, expiry date, or CVV, as Google Pay substitutes these with a secure digital token. The merchant only receives a token, not the actual card information, enhancing security.

On Squad, the "Pay with Google Pay" option appears at the top of the checkout, alongside card, bank transfer, USSD, bank payments, and buy-now-pay-later choices. Once a customer with a card in Google Wallet selects Google Pay, chooses their card, and confirms, they return to the merchant's site upon payment verification. Google Pay is enabled by default for all businesses on Squad, though merchants can disable it if desired.

For those processing international payments, Google Pay accommodates customers worldwide, providing Nigerian businesses a gateway to global buyers, including those in the diaspora.

Speaking on the launch, GTCO's Chief Executive Officer, Mr Segun Agbaje, emphasized that most online payment failures stem from abandonment. He stressed that reducing steps in the checkout process minimizes drop-offs, benefiting small businesses that constitute the majority of Squad's merchant base. Agbaje highlighted that the Group's structure facilitates seamless integration of payment solutions, ensuring a smooth customer experience from both the payer's and merchant's perspectives. The CEO affirmed the Group's commitment to delivering safe and simple payment options.

Eduofon Japhet, Managing Director of HabariPay, noted that each additional checkout field could cause customers to abandon their purchase. With Squad, merchants can now integrate Google Pay seamlessly, allowing customers to pay with a saved card through a few taps. International merchants can receive Google Pay from customers anywhere globally without additional integration efforts.

Availability details indicate that GTBank customers can add their eligible debit cards via the Google Wallet app on Android or through their Google Account. Starting today, Google Pay is enabled by default for all businesses on Squad, though merchants retain the option to disable it. Merchants utilizing Squad for international transactions can accept Google Pay from customers worldwide. Additional information is accessible via www.gtbank.com and www.squadco.com.