Google recently launched its Wallet app for Android smartphone users in India. This free app will be used as a digital hub to store rewards, tickets, and even a car key. Google Wallet launched in India is different from its international version as it cannot store bank cards or make digital payments. Here, Google Pay will continue being the payment app from the company.
Key features of Google’s all-new Wallet app in India:
It is an Android-exclusive app. Currently, it is only compatible with select phones running on Android 9 or the newer versions
The app is available on the Google Play Store. If you can’t find it here, visit the company’s official website and it will redirect you to the installation page on the Play Store.
The company on its website mentioned that ‘not all features are available in every region, but we're to bring them to you in the coming months.’
How to set up the app on your phone?
It is fairly easy to set up the Google Wallet on your Android device. If you are already logged in to a Google account, the wallet will be signed up on your phone with just a few clicks.
Rewards & Vouchers
Once set up, you can add flight tickets, movie tickets, and vouchers from select partners in the wallet. To make it app more robust, Google has partnered with over 20 brands like Air India, Flipkart, PVR, Inox, Dominos, and others. In addition to boarding passes and tickets, the Wallet also offers rewards from loyalty programs like MakeMyTrip, IKEA, MacDonald’s, Croma, and more. You can also add gift cards from partners like Taj, ITC hotels, Hamleys, Lenskart, etc.
Details related to public transportation can also be added to the app. However, Kochi Metro is the only supported partner in the country for now.
Steps to add a pass to your Google Wallet:
Click on the ‘add to wallet’ icon at the top of the screen. If you have a physical card or picture, choose the first option and scan the barcode or a QR code visible on your pass.
If you have a digital pass, select the service provider from the list then enter your phone number to add it to the wallet
You will need details like card number, PIN, and balance to add a gift card.
The passes will automatically sync to your Google account. Later, they can be viewed on other Google services like Maps and Shopping. This feature can also be disabled from the settings menu. The passes can be accessed on multiple devices
As per the company announcement, select BMW car owners can also add their digital car key to the Wallet app. Moreover, old passes can be archived and expired passes will automatically get archived on the Wallet app.
How is Google Wallet different from Google Pay?
Google Pay and Google Wallet are two entirely different apps in India.
“Google Pay is a digital payment app that uses UPI, and can also store RuPay credit cards. Google Wallet on the other hand cannot be used to make any sort of payment,’ the company has announced sharing that both apps will continue to co-exist.
Google Pay app helps individuals manage their money and finances. It is used for:
Getting insights on spending and spending habits
Sending money to friends and family or splitting bills
You can earn rewards by making certain eligible transactions on the payment app. It also finds you various offers from your top merchants.
Google Wallet on the other hand is a secure and private digital wallet for Android smartphone users that allows quick access to payment cards, passes, tickets, keys, or IDs that you choose to store on it.
