Google Wallet may let you choose safer tap-to-pay over speed

Google Wallet may soon let you choose between faster tap-to-pay and safer tap-to-pay. According to a report from Android Authority, the idea is an optional setting that adds a security step to contactless purchases. Google has not confirmed a launch date, so this is a possible feature, not a finished one.

What is being reported

Google Wallet is the app on many Android phones that stores your payment cards. Tap-to-pay, also called contactless payment, means you hold your phone near a card reader instead of swiping or inserting a card. The reported setting would add an extra check before a tap goes through.

The trade-off

The exchange is simple. You would get more protection for your cards, but checkout would be slower. Android Authority describes it as a choice: your contactless payments could become more secure, or more annoying.

Who it affects

Anyone who pays with a phone could be touched by this. The main benefit would show up if your phone is lost or stolen. In that case, an added security step could make it harder for someone else to use your cards. You could decide how much hassle you are willing to accept.

What is not known yet

• When, or whether, Google will release the setting
• What the extra security step would actually be
• Whether it would be on or off by default

The source material does not answer these questions. Until Google says more, treat the feature as a maybe.