Google Wallet: Google on Wednesday launched its Wallet app for Android smartphone users in India along with the Pixel 8a. The free-to-use app has been designed as a digital hub that can store rewards, tickets and even your car key.
Unlike the international version of Google Wallet, the version available in India cannot store bank cards and cannot be used to make digital payments. Google Pay will continue to be the company’s payment app.
Exploring the Features and Partnerships of Google Wallet for Seamless Android Payments
Digital Wallet is an app designed exclusively for Android. For some reason, if you can’t find the app directly by searching the Play Store, go to the company’s official website, and it will redirect you to the Play Store installation page. The digital Wallet app is currently only compatible with select phones running Android 9 or later.
Setting up digital Wallet is a fairly simple process. If you’re already signed in to your Google Account, signing up for Wallet takes just a few clicks. Once set up, users can add their airline tickets, movie tickets and vouchers from selected partners.
During the launch, Google confirmed that it is partnering with more than 20 brands like Air India, Flipkart, PVR, Inox, Domino and more. In addition to boarding passes and tickets, Digital Wallet can also offer rewards from loyalty programs such as MakeMyTrip, IKEA, MacDonald’s, Croma and more. Users can also add gift cards from partners like Taj, ITC hotels, Hamleys, Lenskart and more.
Convenient Features of Google Wallet: Adding Tickets, Cards, and Gift Cards
If you use public transport often, you can also add these details to the Wallet app. However, currently Kochi Metro is the only supported partner in the country.
To add a ticket to Google Wallet, you need to scan a photo or a physical copy of the ticket with a barcode or QR code. Once added, they will be synced with the user’s Google account and can be accessed on multiple devices. Select BMW owners can also add their digital car key to the Wallet app.
To add a card to digital Wallet, click the “add to wallet” icon at the top of the screen > if you have a physical card or picture, select the first option and scan it to add it. Similarly, if you have a digital card, select your service provider from the list and enter your phone number to add to your wallet.
To add a gift card to the Wallet app, you need details such as the card number, PIN and balance, and you can also add a note. Once added, the gift card balance will be visible in other Google services such as Maps and Shopping, which can also be disabled in the settings menu.
Understanding Google Wallet and Google Pay: What Sets Them Apart?
Old IDs can be archived and expired IDs are automatically archived in the Google Wallet app.
In India, Google Pay and digital Wallet are two completely different apps. As the company has confirmed, they will continue to co-exist. Google Pay is a digital payment app that uses UPI and can now store RuPay credit cards as well. digital Wallet cannot be used to make any kind of payment.
If you’re a Samsung user, check out the Samsung Wallet app, which supports both Digital Wallet and Google Pay. If you’re using an iPhone, Apple also has a first-party Wallet app that works similar to digital Wallet in India.
