Name: Google Wallet
Rating: 3.9

LAST UPDATED: July 19th, 2024

Google wallet was one of the first to introduce a mobile wallet app, with its introduction in September 2011. In spite of this head-start, the app never reached the status which one would expect from Google. The app is available for Google account holders at no charge, and can be found under the “apps” tab in their browser. At one point, the Google Wallet offered tap and pay contactless payments, but this practice has since been discontinued and Google Wallet is primarily used for sending money person-to-person. Users may transfer money to/from their registered and confirmed bank accounts and request a free Google Wallet debit card to use in stores in order to spend their Google Wallet balance.

Google recommends that those interested in a contactless digital wallet use Android Pay. At present, this app is good for sending money, but does not include many of the features which the Review Team uses to rate companies offering a mobile wallet to be recommended as a mobile wallet provider.

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The Good

Secure transactions
Google Wallet card

Secure Transactions

Google Wallet offers their users secure transactions in sending money to individuals. Being that no financial information is shared during the transaction, this feature is appealing to those purchasing items from someone whom they don't know (auctions, online sales, etc.) as well as being a secure way to send funds to friends and family. The app is included for anyone with a Google account and simple to use.

Google Wallet Card

Google Wallet is funded by either transferring funds from a confirmed checking account held with a US bank or by receiving money from another Google Wallet user. Any registered user of Google Wallet may request a Google Wallet card which is free of charge and may be used as a debit card so that users may spend their Google Wallet funds in retail stores or online. Google recommends Android Pay to those who are looking for a mobile wallet with tap and pay convenience.

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The Bad

Security concerns
Delay in funds

Security concerns

Google Wallet had the capability to pay merchants with the app and a compatible phone at one time, however, this is no longer the case. This app is integrated with one's existing Google account automatically, so some have expressed concerns with the security of their balances/linked financial accounts by having this integration. It is important to note that Google Wallet is covered against fraudulent use as well as the Google Wallet MasterCard.

Delay in Funds

Past users of the person-to-person money sending feature have stated that there was a delay in receiving the funds, but Google Wallet states that the funds are available instantly.

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The Bottom Line

In spite of the features of being able to send/receive money from one's Google account, there are simply not enough features of a mobile wallet for the Review Team to recommend Google Wallet as a stand-alone mobile wallet app. Google Wallet is helpful in sending money to individuals and convenient with a Google Wallet MasterCard debit card which can be used at retailers and online. The app is clear on what it does and does not do, and recommends Android Pay for mobile wallet use.

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User Reviews

Star Rating

3.9

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22 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

50%

4 grade

27%

3 grade

2 grade

1 grade

18%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

Quality

Service

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Nathan Wright

WORST SERVICE EVER!! I want to know how to sue because there is no information about needing to prove your bank account which takes days, and then needing to prove your id, SSN, and address - and the fact they don't accept proof of address that even the USA government accepts. Then they hold your money hostage for 14 days before returning it to sender!

7 years ago

Jennifer Bickey Saint Petersburg, FL

Money was sent to me over 1 week ago, was debited from senders account, and still has not made it to my google wallet. They advertise as "instant". Calling for assistance is a joke, they have no answer as to where the money is- and aren't even apologetic. Now, have to wait a week to get it refunded to sender and use another method. Worst service ever, not only does it not work, the customer service is the worst and and a huge waste of one's time.

Jenny Zhu Indianapolis, IN

DO NOT USE GOOGLE WALLET! I was scammed on here and Google Wallet refused to do anything to help or refund me. Their customer service is terrible. Considering what a huge company Google is, they have absolutely no security/fraud protection plan which is very disappointing.

Porsha Vass Detroit, MI

This is the worst money app I have ever used!! It takes days for money to transfer and Google blames it on that bank when the bank didn't see anything pending on their end. I'm sure Google gains interest for money that's just sitting so that's why it takes so long. Yes, I will be posting this everywhere possible.