Google Wallet is set to enhance the realm of digital payments by introducing a feature that allows parents to supervise their children’s payments. This functionality has been rolled out in select countries, including the U.S., U.K., Australia, Spain, and Poland, enabling parents to grant their children access to credit and debit cards on Android devices while maintaining strong parental controls. Key features of this new offering focus heavily on security and oversight.
Parents must provide consent for adding payment cards, and they will receive transaction notifications to keep track of their children’s spending. Additionally, they can manage access and cards through Family Link. Children are permitted to utilize the cards for in-store purchases, providing them with a practical financial experience, while online transactions are restricted to minimize risks.
The initiative, first disclosed in October 2024, highlights Google’s commitment to providing conveniences similar to tap-to-pay solutions available to adults. Parents can add their children to a family-managed account, ensuring that only they can enroll new payment cards into their child’s Google Wallet. Upon attempting to add a card, the app instructs children to “go get your parent,” underscoring the necessary supervision.
When a parent manages the family account, they will need to verify their identity before they can proceed with adding a payment card. Notification features ensure that parents are kept informed, with options to review recent transactions and remove cards if necessary. While children can use this system for in-store payments to gain practical financial knowledge, the lack of online payment access helps safeguard against potential online scams.
This update follows recent enhancements to Google Wallet, which has added support for numerous banks, further solidifying its role as a versatile payment solution for families.
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