Google Wallet Tests Pocket Money Feature for Kids: How It Works
Photo: ZDNet
Quick answer
Google Wallet introduced a feature for secure money transfers to children without a physical card. Kids can pay via tap-to-pay on Android devices, while parents monitor transactions, set limits, and block accounts in…
Google has added a new feature to its Wallet service, allowing parents to transfer money to their children for secure contactless payments. Now, kids can make purchases using smartphones or smartwatches with NFC support without needing a physical card. This solution eliminates the risk of card loss or theft, which is particularly relevant for teenagers.
Parents gain full control over the account: they can track transactions in real time, set spending limits, and instantly block the account if necessary. For example, if a child attempts a purchase after the account is blocked, the payment will fail. However, there are limitations: the feature only works for offline payments and in locations that support contactless transactions. This could be problematic if a child frequently shops in stores without NFC, such as Walmart.
To set up the feature, the child must be under 18 and managed via Google Family Link. The child’s device must support NFC and have the Google Wallet app installed. Setup takes just a few minutes: open Google Family Link, select the child, and activate the Wallet balance. If you already use similar services like CashApp, switching to Google Wallet may only be justified if the child refuses to carry a card.
Common questions
- How does the pocket money feature in Google Wallet work?
- Parents transfer funds to a child’s account via Google Family Link. The child can make contactless payments using a smartphone or smartwatch with NFC. Parents receive transaction notifications and can manage the account.
- What are the limitations of Google Wallet’s new feature?
- Payments are offline-only and require NFC-enabled terminals. Online purchases and non-NFC transactions are not supported. Google Family Link and an NFC-enabled device are also mandatory.
- How does Google Wallet differ from alternatives like CashApp?
- Unlike CashApp, Google Wallet doesn’t require a physical card, reducing loss risks. However, the lack of online payments and NFC dependency may be drawbacks for some users.
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