Google has expanded its services in India with the introduction of the Google Wallet app, coinciding with the launch of the Pixel 8a smartphone. This free-to-use application serves as a digital repository for various items such as rewards, tickets, and even car keys, aimed at providing users with a convenient and organized platform. However, it’s important to note that the Indian version of Google Wallet differs from its international counterpart. While it offers features like ticket storage and loyalty program integration, it does not support bank cards or facilitate digital payments. For monetary transactions, Google Pay remains the designated payment app for users in India.
Features and Functionality of Google Wallet
Setting up Google Wallet is a straightforward process, particularly for those already logged into a Google account. With just a few clicks, users can seamlessly integrate their accounts and begin utilizing the app’s functionalities. The compatibility of the app is currently limited to select Android phones running on Android 9 or newer versions. In case the app is not readily available through the Play Store search, users can navigate to Google’s official website, where they’ll be redirected to the installation page on the Play Store.
Once installed, Google Wallet allows users to aggregate various items such as flight tickets, movie tickets, and vouchers from partnered brands. Google has already forged partnerships with over 20 prominent brands including Air India, Flipkart, PVR, and Dominos, among others. Additionally, users can leverage the app to store loyalty rewards from establishments like MakeMyTrip, IKEA, and MacDonald’s, as well as gift cards from Taj, ITC hotels, and Lenskart, among others.
One notable feature of Google Wallet is its ability to accommodate transportation passes, although currently, support is limited to the Kochi Metro in India. Adding passes to the app involves a simple process of scanning a photo or physical copy of the pass, which is then synced to the user’s Google account for access across multiple devices. Furthermore, select BMW car owners have the option to add their digital car keys to the Wallet app, enhancing its utility beyond just ticket and reward management.
Managing passes and gift cards within the Wallet app is intuitive, with options to archive old passes and disable visibility of gift card balances on other Google services if desired. Adding gift cards requires inputting details such as card number, PIN, and balance, with the added option to include a note for reference. Once added, the balances are visible across other Google services like Maps and shopping, streamlining the user experience.
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How is it different from Google Pay?
In the Indian market, Google Wallet and Google Pay serve distinct purposes and are intended to coexist rather than compete. While Google Pay facilitates digital payments using UPI (Unified Payments Interface) and now supports RuPay credit cards, Google Wallet is primarily focused on organizing and storing various items such as tickets, rewards, and gift cards. This clear differentiation ensures that users can utilize each app for its designated functions without overlap or confusion.
For users of Samsung devices, the Samsung Wallet app presents an alternative that combines the functionalities of both Google Wallet and Google Pay. Similarly, iPhone users can leverage Apple’s first-party Wallet app, which offers similar features to Google Wallet in India. These alternatives cater to users who may prefer an integrated solution for managing both payments and digital items.
The introduction of Google Wallet in India expands Google’s ecosystem of services, providing users with a convenient platform to organize and manage various digital items. While Google Pay remains the go-to app for digital payments, Google Wallet offers a complementary solution for organizing tickets, rewards, and gift cards. With its intuitive interface and seamless integration with Google accounts, Google Wallet enhances the user experience for Android smartphone users in India.
