Google Wallet
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Screenshot of most recent user interface for Google Wallet app
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| Developer(s) |
Google MasterCard |
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| Initial release | May 26, 2011 (US only) |
| Written in | English |
| Operating system | Android, iOS, web |
| Website | www |
Google Wallet is a peer-to-peer payments service developed by Google that allows people to send and receive money from a mobile device or desktop computer at no cost to either sender or receiver. When set up, a Google Wallet account must be linked to an existing debit card or bank account in the United States. Google Wallet can be used through the Google Wallet app and Gmail. The app is available for Android devices running Android 4.0 and above, and for iOS devices running iOS 7.0 and above. Google Wallet also had NFC payment capabilities, until the creation of Android Pay.
The physical Google Wallet Card was an optional addition to the app which allowed users to make purchases at point-of-sale (in stores or online) drawing from funds in their Google Wallet account, attached debit card account, or bank account. The card could also be used to withdraw cash at ATMs with no Google-associated fee, and could be used like a debit card for virtually any purpose, including such things as renting a car. It was discontinued on June 30, 2016.
Google Wallet is structured to allow its patrons to send money to each other. To send money, a Google Wallet user enters the email address or phone number of the recipient. The recipient must then link that phone number or email address to a bank account in order to access those funds. If the recipient also has a Google Wallet account, the funds will post to that account directly.
Users can link up to two U.S. bank accounts when the Wallet account is created. Received money goes to the Google Wallet Balance and stays there until the user decides to cash out to a linked account, or spend it directly from there using a Google Wallet Card.
The Google Wallet app is available for free from either Google Play or the App Store. After downloading the app, the user creates a four-digit personal identification number (PIN) for managing everything within their Google Wallet account. The PIN verifies access to the Wallet app on the user’s mobile device.
Before it was discontinued on June 30, 2016, the Google Wallet Card was recognized by the Cirrus network operated by MasterCard (rather than the Plus network operated by Visa).
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Wikipedia