As announced at the I/O developer conference, the new payment app Google Wallet is now available. Google Pay takes a back seat.
Google is delivering its wallet app for Android smartphones in Germany, which was announced in May. Google Wallet replaces the previous payment app Google Pay as a virtual wallet. In addition to means of payment, coupons, customer cards, tickets or boarding passes can be stored in the app. The US group announced the comeback of the wallet in May at its Google I/O developer conference.
Google is currently distributing the wallet as an update to Google Pay. When you open the app, Wallet is either already installed or a message appears indicating that an update is available. The wallet has already been spotted on the Nothingphone and some Pixel models in the editorial office. Other manufacturers are likely to follow soon. the The app can also be downloaded directly from Google Play ready.
Only without root
A smartphone with NFC is required to use the payment function. Google emphasizes that the wallet does not work on rooted smartphones. For Android devices with different profiles, users should note that the wallet does not work in work profiles and must be used with the private profile. Google Pay is retained for the payment function, but takes a back seat as an independent app.
If you have not used Google Pay before, you will be guided through the setup process the first time you access the wallet. You can scan a credit or debit card or enter it manually. Payment methods and cards already available in Google Pay are automatically transferred to the wallet. The Google Wallet can also be used as a means of payment on watches with WearOS.
In addition to payment cards, customer cards, coupons, tickets or boarding passes or vaccination certificates can also be stored in the wallet. The wallet can automatically import boarding passes, coupons or vouchers from GMail if this is enabled in the settings. The wallet supports digital car keys if the car manufacturer offers it. In the USA, the app also accepts student ID cards from selected colleges.
In the medium term, the Google Wallet is intended to accommodate electronic ID cards and other official documents. By the end of the year, it should initially be possible to integrate US driver’s licenses, and Google is still holding talks with the authorities in the US states. ID cards for companies and hotel keys should also be able to migrate to the wallet in the future. Whether German e-ID cards will eventually end up in the wallet is an open question.
Samsung Pay is now called Wallet
Meanwhile, Samsung Pay has made the transition to a wallet. The South Korean electronics manufacturer combines the payment service Samsung Pay and the password management Samsung Pass in the new Samsung Wallet. At Samsung, various documents and cards as well as car keys for selected vehicle types can also be stored in the app. In the course of the year, ID cards are to be added, but in Germany it will probably take a little longer.
In contrast to Google’s wallet, Samsung’s payment service can only be used with the integrated virtual debit card from Samsung Pay. This Visa debit card is issued in Germany by Solarisbank and linked to the user’s checking account. Assuming creditworthiness, you get a credit limit of up to 1000 euros and an option to pay in installments. To do this, you enter into a loan agreement with Solarisbank.
