Triodos has pioneered sustainable banking for 30 years in the UK. We’ve championed transformative systems change since 1995, by financing organisations that have a positive social, environmental and cultural impact – from innovative charity funding to financing the world’s first rewilding centre.  

Responding to your digital banking needs 

We know banking habits are changing, and customers increasingly expect quick, convenient, and secure ways to manage their money – over 94% of all eligible in-store card transactions were contactless in 2024.  
 
We’re listening. The launch of Google Pay is part of our ongoing effort to make sure our services evolve alongside your needs, without compromise.  

“We don’t believe that customers should need to choose between good service and banking that aligns with their values.”

Roger Hattam, Director of Retail Banking, Triodos Bank UK.     

Smartphone showing Triodos debit card and Google Pay logo

By embracing innovative digital tools, we’re making it easier to support sustainability in your everyday life – customers who choose to do so can make use of the convenience that mobile payments offer, while enjoying an award-winning ethical current account. 

What does this mean for you?  

With Google Pay, you can choose to pay with your Triodos debit card directly from your Android device – without needing your physical card.  

  • Contactless convenience: simply tap your phone or smartwatch to pay in shops, cafes, and on public transport. 
  • Seamless online and in-app purchases: no need to enter your card details for every transaction. 
  • A digital wallet: keep all your cards securely in one place. 

If you prefer using your physical debit card, you can continue making payments as usual. Plus, debit cards will still be required for some transactions, for example withdrawing cash from an ATM. 

How to set up Google Pay 

If you already have a Triodos Personal Current Account, getting started is easy: 

  1. Open the Triodos Mobile Banking App on your phone (make sure your phone is running Android 9 or higher) 

  1. Add your Triodos debit card to the Google Wallet: in the Triodos App, go to More, Cards, then Google Pay and tap ‘Add to Google Wallet’, and follow the on-screen steps 

  1. You’re ready to go! Use Google Pay wherever you see the Google Pay or contactless symbol.

Is Google Pay secure? 

Yes – Google Pay offers the same level of security as using your physical debit card.  

As a bank, making sure our customers’ payments are secure was a key focus when introducing Google Pay. We reviewed its security features to ensure it provides strong protection for both transactions and customer privacy. 

"We have taken a critical look at privacy and data use. Privacy and security are our top priorities, and we are transparent about how we handle data. Google also has clear conditions about the use of data. Based on this information, you as a customer can decide if you want to use this service. And for anyone who does not want to pay by mobile, you can continue to use your physical debit card." – Christien van Meurs, responsible for payments and savings at Triodos Bank.

What are the security features?

Keeping your money and data safe is our top priority. Google Pay is designed with multiple layers of security: 

  • Tokenisation: when you add your Triodos debit card to Google Pay, your actual card details are never stored on your device or shared with retailers. Instead, Google Pay replaces your card number with a unique, encrypted virtual account number – known as a token. This means that every transaction you make uses this token, not your real card number – so the only parties who can see your actual card number are the bank that issued the card (Triodos Bank), and the card network (VISA). This significantly reduces the risk of your card details being compromised if your device is lost or if a retailer’s systems are breached. 
  • Device authentication: to authorise a payment, Google Pay requires you to unlock your device using a PIN, password, pattern, fingerprint, or your face – whichever method you have set up.  
  • Privacy: when you use Google Pay, your Google Account saves items and activity, like transactions and payment methods. Google Pay will never sell your transaction history to third parties or share it with the rest of Google for targeting ads. You have control over how your data is used, and can change and manage your settings at any time within Google Pay.  

Our robust security protocols work together with Google Pay to ensure your banking experience remains safe and private.

​​​​​​What’s next for mobile banking?  

The launch of Google Pay is just one more step in our journey. We’re committed to offering services that combine modern convenience with sustainable values. In 2024, we made over 30 changes to the Triodos App – including savings goals, chat support and accessibility improvements.

Learn more about Google Pay

For more information and frequently asked questions, visit our Google Pay page. 

Google Pay is a trademark of Google LLC.