Google Wallet Is Now Available For Indian Users, Check Details Here

With the new Google Wallet, you can keep all your important stuff together, no matter where you are. You can access things like your payment cards, loyalty cards, concert tickets, and more, all from your Android phone. While it exists in many countries already, Google has launched Google Wallet in India. Let's look into what Google Wallet is all about:

Is Google Wallet available in India?

Yes, Google has launched Google Wallet in India today. You can now download the App from the Google Play Store.

What is Google Wallet?

Google Wallet, a digital wallet available on Android, offers convenient access to various everyday essentials. These include flight boarding passes, cinema and event tickets, bus tickets, brand loyalty cards, and important credential photographs.

In an official press release, Google announced its collaboration with 20 leading brands in India to enhance the Google Wallet experience. Among these partners are well-known names such as PVR, INOX, Air India, Indigo, Flipkart, Pine Labs, Hyderabad Metro, Kochi Metro, VRL Travels, Abhibus, Dominos, Shoppers Stop, and many more. Additionally, Google plans to onboard more partners in the coming months to further enrich the user experience.

"With Google Wallet, you can now have a single, organized destination for fast, secure access to your everyday essentials ¨C boarding passes, loyalty cards, event tickets, public transport tickets, gift cards, and more, making them easily accessible when you need them," said Google in a press release.

"As services become increasingly digitized, most of us now rely on our phones for quick access to our everyday essentials. While the Google Pay app remains your destination for all things payments, Google Wallet now brings a new level of convenience to the Android experience in India," said Google.

Different between Google Wallet and Google Pay:

Image generated using AI.

Google Wallet is a digital wallet designed for secure and private access to various items like payment cards, passes, tickets, keys, or IDs that users share on the app. While it supports credit and debit cards globally, the version available in India does not support these features.

On the other hand, Google Pay is a comprehensive application for managing finances and money. It enables users to send money to friends and family, earn rewards, discover offers from preferred merchants, and gain insights into their spending habits.

The Evolution of Google Wallet:

Google launched Google Wallet in 2011 in the United States, so people could pay with their phones. But it only worked on a certain type of phone and you had to sign up for special cards. It was a bit of a hassle to use because you had to open the app and enter a PIN. After about four years, Google made Android Pay, which was easier. You didn't need to download another app - it was already on your phone. You could just unlock your phone and tap it to pay.

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Google made Android Pay after Apple made Apple Pay in 2014. In 2018, Google combined Google Wallet and Android Pay to make Google Pay. This was the main way people paid with their Android phones.

Google redesigned Google Wallet into Google Pay Send for sending and receiving payments online but stopped its service in 2020 because Google Pay could do everything it did. They also made a new version of Google Pay in India called Google Tez which was later rebranded as Google Pay in 2018, which had extra features like in-app messaging, personalised offers, transaction history, receipt deals and much more.

In 2022, Google brought back Google Wallet for Android phones and smartwatches. It's replaced Google Pay in 39 countries including Mexico, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong and France, but not in India. In the US and Singapore, Google Wallet is now the main way to pay and store things like hotel keys and boarding passes. Google Pay will still be there, but just for sending money to friends.

Features of Google Wallet:

Simplified Shopping Experience:

Google Wallet streamlines both online and in-store shopping, removing the burden of carrying physical cards or cash. With Google Wallet, your smartphone becomes your digital wallet, allowing you to make purchases effortlessly with just a few taps.

Enhanced Security Measures:

In addition to convenience, Google Wallet prioritizes your security. It offers advanced features such as PIN protection, ensuring that only you can access your funds. Moreover, in the unfortunate event of your device being lost or stolen, Google Wallet provides the option to remotely disable the service, safeguarding your finances from unauthorized access.

Compatibility and Accessibility:

As per TechCrunch report, Google Wallet is designed to seamlessly integrate with NFC-enabled smartphones, offering convenience at your fingertips. Moreover, it's not just limited to smartphones; Google Wallet can also be accessed on wearable devices powered by WearOS, extending its reach to a wider audience.

Google Wallet offers a range of convenient features for users:

• Movie or Event Tickets: Users can add and store movie and event tickets in their Google Wallet for easy access when needed.
• Flight Boarding Passes: For Google Pixel smartphones, users can add their boarding passes by taking a screenshot and tapping "Add to Google Wallet."
• Brand Loyalty or Gift Cards: Digital copies of loyalty and gift cards from various brands can be stored in the wallet.
• Public Transit Tickets: Metro and bus tickets can also be stored in the wallet for hassle-free commuting.
• Corporate Badge: Select corporate identity cards can be stored and accessed as needed.
• Digitalisation of Physical Documents: Users can create new passes in their wallet from images containing barcodes or QR codes, such as airline boarding passes or parking receipts.
• Gmail-Specific Features: Confirmation emails for movie, IPL, or train tickets booked via Gmail will automatically appear in the Google Wallet if smart personalization settings are enabled.

To use Google Wallet in India, follow these steps:

• Download the App: If you're using an Android device running Android version 7.0 and above, go to the Play Store, search for 'Google Wallet,' and download the app.
• Log in: If you're already logged into your Google account on your device, you won't need additional details to log in to the Google Wallet app. It will take you directly to the 'Add Items' page.
• Add Items: On the 'Add Items' page, you'll see an 'Add to Wallet' button. Click on it to proceed. You'll then see a list of items you can add. As of May 8, 2024, there are four categories: Photo, Loyalty, Gift Card, and Transport Pass.
• Select Category: Choose the category you want to add. For example, if you select 'Transport Pass,' a new list of options will appear. Let's say you choose 'Kochi Metro' as an example.
• Redirect to Website: Clicking on the 'Kochi Metro' option inside the Google Wallet app will redirect you to the Kochi Metro website. You'll be asked to log in using your Google account on the website before you can add the metro ticket to Google Wallet. Follow the prompts to complete the process.

Google Wallet emerges as a game-changer in the realm of digital payments, offering Indians a convenient and secure way to manage their transactions. As Google continues to innovate and enhance its offerings, users can look forward to a future of frictionless payments and unparalleled convenience. Dive into the world of Google Wallet today and experience the future of digital transactions firsthand.

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