Google recently launched a tap-to-pay Google Wallet option on the Fitbit Ace LTE fitness tracker in August and as per the reports from October 30, this feature would be available for kids on Android devices, securing it with a Family Link.
According to the 9to5Google report, the Google Wallet option for kids will be available from next year onwards. The statement Google gave to 9to5Google reveals that the tap-to-pay feature can be controlled by parents. The feature can be used by kids for payments in stores and cannot be used for online transactions. Parents would have control over approving new cards, removing cards, and can view transaction history.
Kids who are supervised and added to the Family Link will be able to download the Google Wallet app on their Android phones. Google Family Link is a parental control service that lets parents customize device usage for kids. Parents can restrict content, disapprove certain apps, set screen time, and more. They can also be used to know when the children leave school and get back home.
Earlier this year Google Wallet made some changes related to unlocking the phone for payment verification. It requires on-device authentication before completing the payment for a more secure payment experience. Users need to unlock the phone using a PIN, pattern, passcode, or Class 3 bio-metric for all non-transit tap-to-pay transactions. Google Wallet for kids also requires either of these security measures to authenticate NFC payments.
Parents are required to approve every credit or debit card added to the kid’s Wallet on their Android phone. Existing payment cards can be added to the kids’ Google Wallet and the Family Link will help the parents view transaction history, remotely remove a card, or even block passes.
This feature is similar to the kids’ smartwatches powered by Wear OS released earlier this year. The company noted the many positive responses received on the tap-to-pay feature in Fitbit Ace LTE watches. Google also emphasized that the feature is built with safety in mind.
The kids’ Google Wallet will also support gift cards and event tickets. At the initial launch, private cards like IDs and health cards won’t be supported in the kids’ Wallet.
Google said as reported by 9to5Google “Following the positive response of tap-to-pay on Fitbit Ace LTE devices, we’re expanding tap-to-pay for kids to Google Wallet. The new experience is built with safety in mind and will allow parents to supervise their kids’ usage – including approving new cards, easily removing cards, and viewing transaction history.”
The e-wallet’s advantages like convenience, and encrypted security will be now useful to kids with the addition of the kid’s Google Wallet feature. Kids’ careless nature of using money can be controlled with this. Parents can keep track of how much money kids are spending on a daily basis and can restrict unnecessary spending.
Google has already made the transactions secure and easier with their updates later this year and the next year is going to witness some more groundbreaking updations other than the kids’ Wallet.
Apple previously launched a similar feature for children to purchase at stores. It uses Apple Cash Family by setting up an Apple Cash account to make payments on store and online transactions through Messages or Wallet. Families can monitor their kids’ spending through Apple Pay and will be notified when they make any transactions. Parents can limit payments and can lock the account when needed.
The new feature will be launched in many countries from next year onwards including the United States and will expand further over time.
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