Google Wallet: Your All-in-One Digital Hub

Google Wallet is essentially an all-in-one digital wallet for Android users which is now available for Indian users. The application allows the user to store various payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, gift cards and loyalty cards among others. The service was initially launched in 2011 but was later replaced with Google Pay in 2018. However, in India, the provider will provide both apps- Google Pay and Google Wallet. It will be available as a separate app.

The app will work on the smartphones that support NFC. Other than smartphones the app can be downloaded on watches that are powered by WearOS.

How is it different from Google Pay?

Unlike Google Pay, which offers UPI payment services, Google Wallet will only work on smartphones with near-field communication (NFC) support and is limited to making contactless payments using credit/debit cards.

It consolidates a variety of functions into one app, allowing you to:

Store boarding passes, tickets, and loyalty cards

No more rummaging through your bag for boarding passes or searching for loyalty cards at checkout. Google Wallet allows you to keep digital versions of these right alongside your credit cards for easy access.

Manage your essentials

Google Wallet can even suggest relevant items you might need, based on your context. For example, it might display your boarding pass when you arrive at the airport.

Security is a major focus of Google Wallet. It leverages Android's security features like two-step verification and remote data wipes to keep your information protected. Additionally, when you pay with Google Pay, a unique encrypted code is used instead of your actual card number, so your financial information stays safe.

Make contactless payments

Store your debit and credit cards securely in Google Wallet, and then use your phone to tap and pay at any terminal that accepts contactless payments (often indicated by a symbol with four waves). Google Pay, which is part of Google Wallet, handles these secure transactions without revealing your actual card number to the store.