There are now more ways to check out at a store than there ever have been before, between Fitbit Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Garmin's own option, with the unsurprising name Garmin Pay.

This is a system for mobile payments that works with contactless payment readers, letting you use the Garmin device on your wrist without having to reach for a wallet or your phone.

This means that if you're out for a run with your Garmin and nothing else, you're not high and dry - you can still buy a drink or whatever else you need with your Garmin device and nothing else.

Here's what you need to know about Garmin Pay, including which devices offer it and how it works.

What is Garmin Pay?

Garmin Pay works just like rival contactless payment systems. With a compatible Garmin watch, you can pay for stuff by holding your wrist near a contactless card reader - that's it. There's no need to fumble for your phone, wallet, cards, or cash.

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How to set up Garmin Pay

Setting up Garmin Pay is easy. All you have to do is go to the Garmin Connect mobile app on your smartphone, then tap the Garmin. Your linked device will be at the top of the page. In the following menu, you'll see the option for Garmin Pay. (You can also get to Garmin Pay setup through the settings menu.)

You'll then be prompted to add your MasterCard or Visa card (or Maestro or Discover), which is what Garmin Pay will use to make your purchases. First, select the card type, then manually enter your card data. You'll also have to enter a security code that you'll be sent.

You will also need a passcode on your watch to secure it - this is a four-digit PIN code.

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The card will be added to your wallet once the verification and tokenisation process is complete. You can view the card by tapping Garmin Pay. You will see options to temporarily suspend or delete a card from your wallet at any time when you tap on the card in the Garmin Connect app.

Using Garmin Pay in a store

Garmin Pay works anywhere that accepts contactless payments. Just look for the contactless payments symbol near card readers during checkout.

While stores may not have a specific Garmin Pay accepted logo in their window alongside Apple Pay and Google Pay, you should be able to use your Garmin device to pay if you see a contactless payment symbol.

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How to make a payment with Garmin Pay

Press and hold the action button on your watch to bring up the Navigation Controls menu. Then, tap the virtual wallet icon and enter your four-digit passcode. You will be prompted to enter your passcode every 24 hours or after every time you put the watch back on after taking it off. Once the wallet is open, your last-used card will automatically appear, but you can always switch to a different card.

To switch, just swipe down on your screen to the next one. Once you've picked a card, your watch will prompt you to hold your wrist near a contactless card reader. The outer edge of your watch face will light up green after a few moments to indicate the purchase is complete, and then it'll return to your default watch face once it is done. And that's it.

Note: Three incorrect attempts at entering your passcode will lock your virtual wallet on the watch itself. You'll have to go to the Garmin Connect app on your phone to set a new passcode. (You will need to re-enter your old passcode at this point. If you don't remember it, Garmin will delete your entire virtual wallet to protect you. If this occurs, repeat the setup steps above.)

Which devices work with Garmin Pay?

Garmin Pay is available on 64 of Garmin's current devices. You can view the full list on Garmin's website, but below is a summary of a few of the devices supported.

  • Garmin Vivoactive - 5, 4, 4s, 3, 3 Music
  • Garmin Forerunner - 265, 265S, 645, 645 Music, 745, 945
  • Garmin Fenix 6 and 7 - Pro Solar, Solar, Pro, Sapphire, S Pro Solar, S Pro, S Sapphire, S, X Pro, X Sapphire, X Pro Solar
  • Garmin Venu - Venu Sq, Venu Sq Music, Venu 2, Venu 3
  • Garmin Vivomove - Luxe, Style
  • Garmin Epix (2nd gen)
  • Garmin MARQ (2nd gen)

Which cards/banks support Garmin Pay?

Garmin Pay works with "many credit and debit cards from major banks" and "many major credit and debit cards, including Visa and MasterCard." Now, here's the thing: although cards from MasterCard and Visa are all compatible, you won't be able to use them unless your bank is supported. If they aren't, you can't connect your card.

Apple Pay and Google Pay took a while to get banks on board with their respective mobile payment technologies, so it will take a while to support your bank. Some traditional banks don't support Garmin Pay, but many online banks or card providers do - so if you're bank isn't supported, you might consider opening a new account to give you access.

Anything else you should know?

Aside from the passcode you created during setup, you won't need any other authentication, such as a fingerprint scan, but you might not be able to make large payments. These limits vary from bank to bank and by country but can stop you from making major purchases without your physical card handy.