Does my device store credit card info when purchasing apps?

[hajimeabc]

Hello, I am new to Android. I am using a Galaxy Note. I am trying to buy some apps via the Play Store and Samsung Store.

When I tried to buy an app on the Play Store, I clicked on the cost.
Then, a Add card with my gmail account window appeared. I pressed
Continue. Then, a screen called "Credit card" showed up. It reads "Enter details about the credit card you want to use with Google Wallet." It asks for credit card info, my address and phone number. At the bottom, it reads "Adding a credit card will create a Google Wallet account for you. Privacy Policy."

Will the device store all these information? I am concerned because if I lose the phone and the device stores all these information, the bad guy may use the info for unauthorized, illegal use.

 

[sleedeane]

Yes. It remembers.

 

[hajimeabc]

Thanks. So, if my device got hacked or is lost, I will be in trouble? Any suggestion?

 

[sleedeane]

If someone were to find your phone, they could easily purchase from the Play Store if they didn't have to sign in to your Google account (then they would need your password) if you habitually remain logged in on your phone (as I do).
But your information isn't displayed when buying an app; just the last 4 numbers of your account # are shown at checkout.
Its actually pretty secure.

 

[Harry2]

Why don't you sign in your Google account on PC and create the Wallet account?

Harry

 

[Ryuinferno]

Don't worry as it will remember your number but doesn't show your number. The thief may purchase apps from Play Store but if he knows about hacking, you may be in a certain percentage of risk.

 

[Demache]

Set up a device lock. Then Joe Blow off the street can't pick up your phone and purchase apps or even use the phone without doing a hard reset (wiping your data and accounts from the phone).

Considering the type of stuff that your smartphone has access to, its a smart thing to do anyway. To me, leaving your phone unlocked like that is akin to leaving the front door of your home unlocked and your safe open. I think the 3 seconds it takes to unlock the phone is worth it as opposed to dealing with a fraud report on your card.

 

[hajimeabc]

I have set up a PIN to unlock the screen. I should put a message (on the wallpaper of the screen) that "If found, please return to (my email address). Rewards will be given." Is that sufficient?

Is it possible to buy some sort of pre-paid card, say from the bank or convenience store. Enter that number in the Play Store and purchase apps without entering my credit card and address information?

I haven't tried but sometimes when I purchase things online, online systems failed to verify my credit card information. It might have something to do with the way my address was entered into the system and the way it was recorded in the bank.

 

[hajimeabc]

Why don't you sign in your Google account on PC and create the Wallet account?

Harry

Is this way more secure than doing it on my phone? The bad guy may need to have access to both my phone and the PC to access the info. Am I right?

 

[Harry2]

Is this way more secure than doing it on my phone? The bad guy may need to have access to both my phone and the PC to access the info. Am I right?

My thinking: The way by phone, Play Store app, Google account ... the phone might save my credit card info or it might not, I don't know.
The way by PC, Google account ... the PC won't save my credit card info and Google password because I'd clear the browser's history, passwords, forms ...

Harry

 

[hajimeabc]

I am not familiar with Android nor google wallet.

So, there are two ways to purchase the app?

1. Enter all the credit card info and address into the Note. Then, the add will be installed into the Note. Simple but perhaps risky.

2. Login to my google account from a laptop and then purchase the app through a web browser. One more step but less risky.

If I login to my google account from a laptop and purchase the app. The app will be installed on the Galaxy Note next time I connect the device to my laptop. (Like the App Store and iPodTouch.) Am I right?

 

[Ryuinferno]

Nope,it will be downloaded to your phone automatically when you launch the Play Store app...sometimes you don't even need to launch the app...it depends...but definitely not via connecting your phone to your pc...

 

[Ryuinferno]

And of course,your phone must be connected to the internet to do so...

 

[Harry2]

Just for to round up:
To sign in your Google account (on PC ) and deposit your credit card info, you have to this only the first time.
Next time when you'll purchase an app you don't need to do this again.

Harry

 

[sleedeane]

Is it possible to buy some sort of pre-paid card, say from the bank or convenience store.

You just said it. Go to wally world or wherever and buy a pre-paid Visa debit card. Just put $10 or $20 on it and use it just for the Play Store.

 

[hajimeabc]

I am currently in Hong Kong. I checked with several major banks. They have not heard of pre-paid Visa debit card! So, shall I create a google wallet by logging into my google account from a PC or just enter the bank & personal information into the Galaxy Note? Which is more secure? I read that the phone has some kind of secured IC chip that stores the information. Using the PC might add an extra protection. Not sure. Any advice appreciated.

Also, in the former case, does the google account has to match the one tied with my Android phone? Thanks.

 

[Harry2]

Yes, the Google account which tied to your Android phone. And Wallet will be tied to the Google account.
So, you'll never need your credit card info when purchasing apps from Google Play Store

Harry

 

[hajimeabc]

Using the Galaxy Note, I searched the Google Wallet App from the Play Store. How come it is not available? I understand that the international version does not have NFC. Am I right that users with international version of the Note use a PC to create the wallet while those with the US version can use the Note to create the wallet directly?

 

[Harry2]

I was informed by Google that Google Checkout changed to Google Wallet on my Google account.

The Google Wallet app isn't to find for me on Play Store.
I live in Europe.

Harry