Google just launched a new payments app — of course, we really needed another — called Tez and you can get it right now on the Play Store.

The app’s interface looks very clean in Google’s inimitable simplistic style. But if you’re new to the world of digital transfers and Unified Payment Interface (UPI)-based payments, it can also be quite confusing. It rides on the NPCI-designed UPI and is not all that self-explanatory, almost pushing smartphone users to discover functionalities themselves. But, Tez does seek to break new ground in the Indian digital payments space with features like ‘Cash Mode’ that lets you securely send money to people (Tez user) nearby without sharing your bank account and contact details. You also don’t need the recipient’s number or QR code. Ultrasound Technology (Audio QR) is at play here to find other Tez users near you.

To begin with, many users had to make multiple attempts to link their bank accounts with the app’s ‘send money’ feature. But once done, it’s fairly easy. Tez users can then send money using the UPI platform directly from their bank account to another 55 banks.

Google Tez, built specifically for India, requires users to have an Indian bank account and local phone number. A great aspect of this payment app is that it supports Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Tamil and Telugu. First, you will have to register. It asks for your mobile number associated with your bank account. A fresh UPI ID is created for you, which is linked to the Google account. You can’t use your existing virtual payment address (VPA) with Google Tez.

The app creates a new UPI ID by picking up the name from the Gmail ID. For example, I was assigned an @okicici UPI account when setting up with ICICI. If UPI is already enabled on your account, then enter your UPI PIN to set it up.

To send money using the app, tap the ‘payments’ tab. Users can choose individuals from their contact list to pay to, or receive money from. The amount can also be transferred using the account number and IFSC code of the beneficiary. Alternatively, money can be sent to a person’s UPI ID or to a phone number registered on Tez or by scanning a QR code.

To incentivise ‘Tez’ usage, Google is offering ₹51 for referring new users to the App. If you invite anyone to Tez, both the accounts will be credited with ₹51. The sender and recipient will receive Google Tez scratch cards for money transfers through this App.

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