Google Wallet Comes Back With Support For NFC Payments, Digital IDs, Digital Keys, Tickets

Last Updated on May 26, 2022 by Rupesh Patil

Google Wallet is rolling out and is set to work as a “secure digital credential store”. Google announced that the app will replace Google Pay in many countries around the world, and perhaps even your physical wallet.

Google Wallet Features

The Google Wallet app will allow you to use the app instead of carrying around a wallet. The app will function as a place where you can store your IDs, credit cards, debit cards, event tickets, and more. Moreover, Google Wallet will also save your driver’s licenses, virtual car keys, and even state IDs.

The firm explains how Google Wallet will function:

You can add a card or ticket directly to Wallet, or within the apps or sites of businesses we partner with, you’ll see an option to add it to Wallet. We’re working on adding more types of content for Wallet, too, like digital IDs, or office and hotel keys.

The search giant assures that privacy and security will be maintained with the Google Wallet. In case you lose your phone, you can use Find My Device to remotely lock or erase your device.

Additionally, developers will be able to make their own membership cards and insurance cards. Previously, only seven types of passes were available—offers, gift cards, loyalty cards, boarding passes, event tickets, vaccine cards, and transit tickets.

What About Google Pay?

Google Wallet and Google Pay will continue to exist side-by-side. You can still pay at stores via Google Pay. Moreover, you can continue to make Google Pay transactions online. What changes is the addition of the new “Add to Google Wallet” button which will be seen on apps and on the web.

Google Wallet Availability

Google Wallet is coming to more than 40 countries for Android and Wear OS devices. Notably, India will not be getting the app. Users in the country can “continue to use their Google Pay app they are familiar with today”. Users in the US and Singapore can resume using GPay as a “companion app” for transactions and to discover offers.