Google doesn't like to do anything by halves. The Search giant has just launched Android Pay, a service aimed at usurping Google Wallet for contactless payments.

At the same time Google also announced a standalone Google Wallet app aimed at peer-to-peer payments. There's both sort of the same, but different.

Pay up

Android Pay is designed to be Google's NFC payment system of choice. In the US the app is compatible with MasterCard, Visa, and AMEX cards, in addition to those of several major banks.

It is in many respects the competitor to Apple Pay.

The new-look Google Wallet is designed to let users pay one another using only a phone number or email address. The feature is similar to Square Cashtags and the recently launched PayPal.Me.

However both apps don't quite work in perfect harmony.

Teething issues

Both apps have similar logos, making it difficult to differentiate between the two.

There are reports Android Pay may not have access to all the features previously offered with Google Wallet, and may not record rewards points.

Easy does it

While these issues will likely be addressed in the short time, the release of two standalone payment apps might confuse, rather than excite users.

Especially when there's plenty of other options from Apple and PayPal.

Are there any payment apps you prefer using? Let us know in the comments.