What you need to know
- Google Wallet is rolling out tap-to-pay for kids on Android, allowing them to make in-store purchases with their phones.
- The feature will be available in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Spain, and Poland over the coming weeks.
- Parental approval is required for kids to add a card, and parents can monitor spending or remove the card at any time.
In an exciting development for young consumers, children can now download the Google Wallet app on their Android devices, enabling them to utilize tap-to-pay technology for in-store purchases. This feature, which was initially announced in October, is set to launch in several countries including the U.S., U.K., Australia, Spain, and Poland within the next few weeks.
Google Wallet’s tap-to-pay system, akin to Apple’s offering, allows users to securely store payment information on their smartphones or smartwatches for convenient access. Previously, children under the age of 13 were unable to create payment profiles; however, this restriction has been lifted, granting younger users the ability to engage in contactless payments.
With Google Wallet, kids can make payments by unlocking the app with a fingerprint, face scan, PIN, or passcode. The app also serves as a digital repository for gift cards and event tickets, enhancing its utility for young users.
Parental controls keep things in check
To ensure responsible spending, Google has integrated several parental controls into the app. Children are required to obtain parental approval before adding any payment cards to their wallets. Once a card is added, parents can keep track of transactions and have the ability to remove the card if necessary. Notably, these cards are restricted to in-store tap-to-pay transactions, prohibiting online shopping.
This feature was first introduced on the Fitbit Ace LTE, and after receiving positive feedback from users of the child-friendly smartwatch, Google decided to extend it to Android devices managed through Family Link. This strategic move positions Google more competitively against Apple, which has allowed children to use Apple Pay in stores via Apple Cash Family for some time. However, a key distinction remains: Apple’s system permits online shopping and peer-to-peer payments, while Google Wallet focuses solely on in-store transactions.
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