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%

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Mandi Colorado Springs, CO

I like Google wallet as a competing product to paypal. Google wallet is super awesome when you use a Google phone product like I do as it automatically comes with the phone and is automatically an option to add to your drop-down menu on the Pixel. This means it is tons easier to pull up my Google Pay than my Paypal in most cases. I like how Google Pay lets you add multiple cards and then choose which one to use when you are paying. A ton of online apps are also starting to link Google Pay as way to pay as well, which makes it more versatile.

3 years ago

Teresa Bills

I like this, It tell me how much money when, where and how I spent it, or received it. It's a great way to keep up with what you have.

1 year ago

David Adrian Morales Weslaco, TX

Its a convenient form of payment. Not widely accepted in my area. Good for online purchases. Keeps good records for backup. Compatibility is ok.

Jordan Bell Orem, UT

I love the Google wallet. They save your card and allow you to tap with your phone making it easy to pay even when you forget your wallet.

Tony's Babygirl Staton MO

Pretty handy for a all in one place for credit/debit cards..conveniet

2 years ago

Angie Kirschbaum New York, NY

Easiest way to pay for things online. Trustworthy