Zenith Bank Introduces Google Pay to Enable Fast, Secure Contactless Payments for Customers

Zenith Bank has introduced Google Pay for its customers, allowing them to make fast and secure payments directly from their Android phones and other compatible devices.

The new service enables customers who have an eligible Zenith Bank card to add it to Google Wallet and pay by tapping their phone at contactless terminals or by checking out quickly online and in mobile apps. This removes the need to bring out a physical card or type in card details for every transaction.

The introduction of Google Pay comes as more Nigerians use their phones for daily financial activities, from shopping in stores to paying bills and shopping online. Zenith Bank says the move is part of its ongoing effort to combine convenience with strong security.

How Google Pay makes payment safer

The technology behind Google Pay replaces the real card number with a digital token during a transaction. This process, known as tokenization, means the actual card details are not shared with the merchant when a payment is made.

With this development, Zenith Bank customers will enjoy several benefits.

First is improved security, because the real card number is protected and not exposed during payment.

Second is speed. Instead of entering card details each time, customers can simply tap their phone at supported terminals or select Google Pay at checkout.

Third is convenience across different payment channels. Once a card is added to Google Wallet, it can be used in stores, on websites and in apps that support Google Pay, depending on device and merchant compatibility.

The fourth is confidence. The built-in security features of Google Wallet and Google Pay give customers more assurance when making digital payments.

From ATM gallery innovation to mobile tap payments

The launch of Google Pay follows Zenith Bank’s long history of introducing technology driven banking solutions in Nigeria.

The bank recalls that in 2007, it introduced what it described as Nigeria’s first ATM gallery. The facility operated as a branch without tellers and gave customers access to cash even on weekends and public holidays, at a time when long queues were common in banking halls.

The bank notes that the same focus on innovation continues to drive its digital strategy today.

Commenting on the development, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, described the technology as digitally forward. She said the discussion around innovation will be expanded at the Zenith Bank Tech Fair 2026, themed Future Forward 6.0, which is scheduled for November 5.

How customers can start using Google Pay

To use the service, eligible Zenith Bank cardholders need to download or open Google Wallet on a compatible Android device.

Inside the app, they should select add payment card and follow the steps to add their Zenith Bank card and complete verification.

After the card is added successfully, the customer can start tapping to pay at participating contactless terminals and can also select Google Pay for payment on supported websites and apps.

The service is available subject to card eligibility, device compatibility and whether the merchant accepts contactless or Google Pay transactions.

About Zenith Bank

Zenith Bank Plc is one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions. The bank is focused on providing innovative banking solutions, excellent customer service and long term value for customers, businesses and communities through investment in technology and customer centred services.