My Garmin Pay U-Turn!

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their evolving opinion on Garmin Pay. Initially critical of its clunkiness and outdated features, particularly when using the Forerunner 945, the speaker now appreciates the convenience and security offered by newer Garmin watches like the Phoenix 7. They highlight the ease of making contactless payments through Garmin Pay, comparing it to Apple Pay. Although they acknowledge some limitations, such as the inability to use an Apple Card, the speaker ultimately endorses Garmin Pay for its security and usability over traditional payment methods, especially in potentially insecure environments like gas stations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker initially found Garmin Pay clunky and difficult to use, particularly with older models like the Forerunner 945.
• 😀 Garmin Pay requires multiple button presses and navigation to enter a PIN on older devices, making it less user-friendly.
• 😀 The speaker mistakenly believed that Garmin Pay required vendors to specifically accept it, rather than just any contactless payment system.
• 😀 Newer Garmin models like the Phoenix 7 and Epix offer easier and more efficient Garmin Pay usage with improved touchscreens.
• 😀 Garmin Pay offers convenience by allowing users to pay without needing to carry physical cards or cash.
• 😀 The speaker values the security of entering a PIN on their device instead of a potentially compromised payment terminal.
• 😀 Garmin Pay is seen as more secure compared to traditional payment terminals, which can be vulnerable to skimming attacks.
• 😀 Garmin Pay's speed is comparable to Apple Pay when used on watches, though Face ID on an iPhone may offer a faster experience.
• 😀 The speaker now feels more positive about Garmin Pay but still would not recommend buying a Garmin device solely for this feature.
• 😀 Some cards, like the Apple Card, cannot be used with Garmin Pay, which is a limitation the speaker finds frustrating.
• 😀 The speaker recognizes that while Garmin Pay is useful, it’s not a major factor in deciding whether to purchase a Garmin watch over an Apple Watch.

Q & A

Why was the speaker initially critical of Garmin Pay?

The speaker found Garmin Pay clunky and inaccessible, especially on older Garmin models like the 945. It required multiple button presses to enter a PIN and navigate through the interface, making it an impractical solution for contactless payments.

How has Garmin Pay improved on newer Garmin watches like the Phoenix 7 and Epix?

With newer models, Garmin Pay has become easier to use, with touchscreen functionality and faster access. The process has become more streamlined, addressing earlier complaints about clunkiness and accessibility.

What is the main advantage of using Garmin Pay for payments?

The main advantages are convenience and security. Garmin Pay allows users to make payments without needing to carry a wallet or cards, while also offering the security of entering a PIN directly on the watch, rather than on potentially insecure payment terminals.

How does the security of Garmin Pay compare to traditional payment methods?

The speaker believes Garmin Pay is more secure than using payment terminals like those at gas stations, as PINs entered directly on the watch are less susceptible to being skimmed, compared to terminals where data breaches have occurred in the past.

How fast is Garmin Pay compared to Apple Pay?

When comparing Garmin Pay on a Garmin watch to Apple Pay on an Apple Watch, the speed is comparable. However, Apple Pay on an iPhone may be faster due to Face ID, which does not require PIN entry.

What steps does the speaker take to use Garmin Pay on their Phoenix 7x watch?

The speaker uses a shortcut by holding down two buttons on the Phoenix 7x watch, which brings up Garmin Pay. They then enter their PIN and tap the watch against the payment reader, just like other contactless payment methods.

What is the speaker's updated opinion about Garmin Pay?

The speaker has reversed their previous negative opinion and now sees Garmin Pay as a convenient and secure option for making payments, especially with the improvements in newer Garmin watches.

Does the speaker recommend purchasing a Garmin watch just for Garmin Pay?

No, the speaker does not recommend buying a Garmin watch solely for Garmin Pay. While the feature is useful, the speaker does not believe it should be the primary reason for choosing a Garmin watch.

What is the limitation of using Garmin Pay with certain cards?

One limitation is that not all debit and credit cards are compatible with Garmin Pay. For example, the Apple Card, despite being available for Apple Pay, cannot be used with Garmin Pay.

How does the speaker feel about the privacy and security of data with Garmin Pay?

The speaker trusts Garmin with their data and feels that using Garmin Pay, where the PIN is entered directly on the watch, offers better privacy and security compared to entering a PIN on a third-party terminal.