On 19 March, Google launched a digital payment feature for kids in limited countries. Now, Kids from the US, UK, Australia, Spain, and Poland can use Google Wallet for in-store purchases with parental consent. In a blog post, Google announced
“Google Wallet now gives parents and guardians in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Spain and Poland a way to allow their children to access digital payments on their Android device with appropriate supervision. Rolling out over the next few weeks, kids can use Google Wallet to securely tap to pay in stores and keep supported passes like event tickets, library cards and gift cards in one convenient place.”
This newly launched feature of Google is in line with Apple that allows kids to use Apple Pay for in-store purchases through Apple Cash Family.
Google Wallet under Parental Control
Google has ensured that kids will only be able to make in-store purchases with parental consent. To activate this feature, parents need to go to the Wallet app on their kid’s Android phone and select ‘New credit or debit card’ in the Payment Card option. After this, parents will verify this activity by logging in their Google Account and adding their credit or debit card. This two-step security will ensure parents that their kids are making safe digital payments. Parents can also regulate their kid’s digital payments. Whenever the kid makes a transaction, an email will be sent to the parent for approval.
Additionally, kids' Google Wallet can also be connected to Family Link for parental control. Parents can also check the transaction history, and payment cards can be removed at any time. This new feature will ease digital payments for kids; however, Google has ensured that it is limited to in-store payments, and no online transaction can be made through Google Wallet for kids. Google has launched this new feature for kids in limited countries, and there are no reports of expansion of this feature in other countries.
