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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mary martin Bossier City, LA

I use Google wallet a lot because it can store your cards and allow purchases by tap to pay or online purchases and it monitors activity on your cards to watch out for fraudulent activity etc! Google wallet is my go-to for multiple financial transactions! Very secure & highly recommended!!

1 year ago

Leonard Leo Potomac, MD

It's amazing how many services are tied with your Google account. Online shopping is not alone. Searching for a good price, linking to a website and checking out can all be streamlined with Google wallet, which can populate you name, address and payment. Be careful, you might buy something without really noticing. It's fast.

3 years ago

Amanda George IL

I love Google wallet. Have used it for about 2 years now and it shuts my needs very well. Will continue to use and would recommend everyone use it. I think it's better than apple pay.

Sheila Burns Dickson, TN

Google Wallet makes it quicker and easier to purchase items. It keeps you from having to enter all your credit card information each time you purchase. Very helpful.

Luke Swierczynski Troy, MI

Super easy to use, and friendly on my pockets. No need to carry around a bulky wallet. There system is really streamlined and secure from my experience.

Damaris Benton

I love being able to use this wallet when I don't have my physical wallet with me.

7 months ago

Shanna Bird Longview, WA

Always a great thing to have in hand. Sometimes I forget my card but it's in my phone. So helpful

G Burt ,

Intuitive app that makes it easy to add cards, tickets and other things that then are easily accessible.

4 years ago

Dee Blackstone, MA

Super useful. I like that I can store concert tickets in the app.

Sathvik Aithala Portland, OR

Easy to use, especially abroad! Links easily to your cards and is very secure.

2 years ago

waiswa Robert

Keeps credit cards for proper security and secure.