My phone had NFC, so I decided to give it a try. I've never had any problems with it, and have found it convenient from time to time when I don't have to pull out my wallet and could just use the phone to pay. But if it went away tomorrow though, it's not something I'd miss, or long for. Some people may find it convenient that it gathers all transactions and displays it in one place, etc. But I know where my money is exactly going; so, I don't need Google to (know it as well, or) display it for me. Smooth? Yes. Ground-breaking, or even essential? Certainly not. If you do use it though, keep NFC turned off at all times for obvious reasons except for when you're paying. :)