Google has introduced a new feature that enables children with Android phones to make in-store payments using Google Wallet in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Spain, and Poland.
Highlights
This update provides younger users with access to digital payments under parental supervision, aiming to offer a secure and controlled way for families to manage transactions in an increasingly digital economy.
Parental Controls and Security Measures
To ensure safety and oversight, Google has implemented multiple parental control features.
A payment card can only be added to a child’s Google Wallet with explicit parental consent, and parents receive email notifications for each transaction their child makes.
Additionally, parents can monitor spending, remove cards, or disable access through the Google Family Link app.
Google has also restricted the feature to in-store purchases only, preventing children from using Google Wallet for online transactions. This limitation helps maintain control over spending while enabling kids to make everyday payments in supervised environments.
How the Feature Works
Setting up Google Wallet for children involves a simple process within the Wallet app:
- Adding a Payment Card – Parents and children navigate to the “Add to Wallet” option, select “Payment card,” and choose to add a new credit or debit card.
- Parental Verification – The parent must log into their Google Account to verify their identity before linking a payment method.
- Transaction Authorization – Children can use tap-to-pay technology at retail stores, with purchases authenticated through fingerprint, facial recognition, PIN, or password for added security.
Beyond Payments
Google Wallet for children now supports more than just payments. Young users can store and use event tickets, library cards, and gift cards, enhancing their digital experience while ensuring parental oversight remains in place.
Comparison With Apple’s Payment System
Google’s new feature aligns with Apple Cash Family, which allows parents to set up Apple Cash for their children, enabling purchases and peer-to-peer money transfers within the Apple ecosystem.
While both services emphasize parental controls and security, Google Wallet currently focuses on in-store transactions, whereas Apple’s system includes broader digital payment capabilities.
Gradual Rollout and Future Prospects
Google has announced that this feature will roll out in the coming weeks across the specified countries.
While there is no confirmation on expansion to other regions, this update follows Google’s previous launch of tap-to-pay functionality for the Fitbit Ace LTE, suggesting a broader strategy to integrate digital payment tools for younger users across various devices.
With this development, Google is further expanding its Wallet ecosystem, giving families more control over how children engage in digital transactions while ensuring strong security measures and parental oversight in an evolving cashless world.
