At the time I started using Google Pay, existing and being from a company I had heard of. Not to mention on Android it was just there for you to use, you didn't have to download another app.

My roommate and I considered using PayPal but his PayPal account got locked and to this day a decade later, never unlocked.

I'm going to be looking into both Venmo and Zelle now though.

what's the benefit of Google Pay for you over Venmo or Zelle?

It works internationally.

Those other 2 are USA only

Those other two are so frequently used for scams that my bank has a heart attack every time I try to use them. No matter how many times I call them and tell them to unblock my card, because it was definitely me sending that money, they'll block it the very next time. I literally bought a checkbook (you have to buy those dumb things now?!) so I could more easily give people money... In 2023...

Google pay worked for me reasonably well for small transactions between friends and family. That's literally what I use it for 90% of the time. I'm super annoyed that they don't have a replacement for it.

Google strikes again, killing something I love.