Google’s digital payment app ‘Tez’ unveiled

It is based on UPI – a payments protocol built by government-backed National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI). Apart from English and Hindi, “Tez” app supports various Indian languages such as Marathi, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu.   

The user interface is simple and the user is asked to sign into the application using the mobile number that is registered with the bank account. The user then receives an OTP via SMS and the registration is completed after an email id is provided.   

The app lets the user pay bills, send money and receive payments directly into their bank accounts (after the app is linked to their bank account to verify ownership). There is also an option to send a text message from their registered phone number through Google “Tez” app. The user is then asked to add a UPI PIN and then they can start making payments. They can also view a list of their friends who are using the app and request and pay money. 

To ensure the security of the user, “Tez” makes use of either Google’s 4-digit security PIN or screen/pattern lock to open the app each time. The app’s “Cash Mode” works quite like the NFC feature.