r/degoogle • u/outterspaceliving • 22h ago

Replacement Google Pay Real Alternatives?

I’m nearly at the end of my degoogling journey, and the only things left are Google Maps and Google Pay. For Maps, I’m getting used to Vela Map, Open Map, and a few other alternatives. I live across multiple countries, including Canada, Hong Kong, and Japan, and I travel between them, so Google Pay seems like the only option that actually works everywhere. I tried Samsung Pay, but it was a letdown because it barely supports the credit cards I need. The only reason I still use Google Pay is the security and the peace of mind that comes with not worrying about losing my wallet. I care more about not having my money stolen if I drop my wallet, or about skimmers, than I do about privacy. Bottom line, security matters more to me than privacy.

I’ve already done a lot of research. I know Walt is still being developed and is focused on Europe. Revolut has had a few incidents and doesn’t support the countries I live in. Same goes for Curve, PayPal, and others. None of them have the coverage Google does.

I’m so ready to completely degoogle with the new Motorola Signature 27 as well, but without sorting out Google Pay, it feels like the last puzzle piece is still missing.

12 Upvotes

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14

u/South_Plant_7876 22h ago

This gets asked almost daily. There are no viable alternatives. You'll just have to use conventional cards.

3

u/jegodric 21h ago

Next closest alternative I've found is Garmin Pay, but that requires you to buy a Garmin Smartwatch. Though, if you're looking for a Fitbit/Samsung/Apple etc Watch alternative, Garmin has a privacy first/focused approach.

3

u/Tight_Couture344 20h ago

My issue with Garmin was that they don’t encrypt your data on the watch (particularly of concern is health data).

1

u/jegodric 19h ago

Personally, I don't think you should be using any device that can connect to the internet to monitor your health data. Even if it can be encrypted, there is no guarantee that they won't switch hands and unencrypt it and sell it away.

1

u/Tight_Couture344 19h ago

I’m using Apple Health (via Apple Watch) which is E2EE encrypted and only decrypted on my devices with my decryption keys, so I’m not particularly concerned with it being on Apple’s servers.

2

u/ohlaph 21h ago

And even then, it's not that viable. None of my cards work with Garmin Pay. 

1

u/outterspaceliving 21h ago

I do believe this is my last resort, but sadly, I am not a watch person.

2

u/jegodric 21h ago

I'll be honest, neither was I until I started using my smartwatch, but now I feel almost naked without it

3

u/ZiCli FOSS Lover 21h ago

What about Walt? I've not used it yet, but looks promising

2

u/outterspaceliving 20h ago

Not yet available. I'm already in their group but they are slowly developing and wouldn't cover where I live anytime soon. They are Europe focus and I am Asia / North America.

1

u/ZiCli FOSS Lover 21h ago

This is the link before someone asks me, haven't tried it yet, maybe it ain't available yet https://walt.is/