Google has introduced its digital wallet in India, ‘Google Wallet’, offering users access to essential everyday services. Available for Android smartphones via the Play Store, it’s distinct from Google Pay and serves different purposes.
What is Google Wallet?
Google Wallet is a digital platform for Android devices that facilitates access to daily necessities like flight boarding passes, cinema tickets, bus passes, loyalty cards, and vital credentials. Google emphasized its utility, providing a consolidated destination for secure and quick access to these essentials.
Google has partnered with 20 prominent Indian brands to offer diverse functionalities within Google Wallet. Partners include PVR & INOX, Air India, Indigo, Flipkart, and others, with plans to expand partnerships.
Key Features:
- Movie or Event Tickets: Users can store and access tickets conveniently.
- Flight Boarding Passes: Boarding passes can be added and accessed, with Pixel smartphone users able to add via screenshot.
- Brand Loyalty or Gift Cards: Digital copies of loyalty and gift cards from various brands can be stored.
- Public Transit Tickets: Metro and bus tickets can be stored and accessed.
- Corporate Badge: Selected corporate ID cards can be stored.
- Digitalization of Physical Documents: Barcodes or QR codes from images can generate new passes.
- Gmail Integration: Event confirmations received in Gmail will appear in Google Wallet if intelligent personalization is enabled.
How to Use Google Wallet in India:
For Android devices running on Android 7.0 and above:
Step 1: Download ‘Google Wallet’ from Play Store. If logged into your Google account, no additional login is required. Proceed to the ‘Add Items’ page and select ‘Add to Wallet’ under categories like Photo, Loyalty, Gift Card, or Transport pass.
Step 2: Choose a category (e.g., ‘Transport Pass’), and follow the prompts to add items.
Google Wallet focuses on non-payment-related features, which contrasts with Google Pay’s payment-centric approach. Google underlined that Google Wallet complements Google Pay and remains the go-to payment app across India.
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