Google has announced that it is pulling the plug on Google Pay in the US. From 4th June, 2024, some 25 million users of the GPay app in the country will be encouraged to transition to Google Wallet instead. The move represents a simplification of Google's payment options for Android-based smartphones. With Google Wallet already enabling users to make payments, store ID, boarding passes and public transport tickets – and even start their car – Google Pay is no longer needed. As part of the GPay shutdown, the peer-to-peer payments feature will disappear, as will integrated cashback offers. Users will have to go to the Google Pay website to transfer any remaining balance into their bank account. It's important to note at this point, that the process of making in-store and online payments on an Android handset will still be called 'Google Pay', even if the Google Pay app will soon be defunct. And if you think that could cause confusion, we’ve barely scratched the surface. Users and financial institutions that have tokenised their payment cards in Google Pay might be feeling a bit perplexed by this change, and with good reason. Google's strategy around Google Wallet and Google Pay has chopped and changed over the years; Google Wallet first emerged in 2011 but didn't see much traction, only to be replaced by Google Pay in 2018. Then in 2022, Google announced that Google Wallet was coming back to replace Google Pay, but not in all markets. Initially, Google kept Google Pay in the US, but has now decided to shut it down. From 4th June, Google Pay will only remain in Singapore and India. Certainly when compared to Apple's Apple Pay, which has had the same name since it was introduced 10 years ago, Google's strategy seems to have been: Never let them know your next move. But there is method to Google's madness; Google Wallet is used five times more than the Google Pay app in the US, so the reorganisation makes sense. As well as streamlining its payment app ecosystem, Google's move is part of a wider push to compete with Apple and position Google Wallet as a super app that does more than just enable payments, but acts as a secure store for all forms of ID, loyalty cards, travel passes and more. It's also going to make the process of adding cards to Google Wallet easier for consumers, who'll now be able to do so by using the camera on their device – as long as the card has a barcode or QR code. What this means for MeaWallet’s clients So what does all this mean for financial institutions that have tokenised their cards for use in Google Pay and/or Google Wallet? Quite simply, there's no need to worry. If you're a client of MeaWallet, then these cards will still work after 4th June. And for those that haven't yet tokenised their cards for Google Wallet but would like to do so in the future, here's a quick overview of how MeaWallet can help you. MeaWallet's tokenisation solution enables financial institutions to tokenise their payment cards and enable them in OEM wallets such as Google Wallet, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, as well as Issuer-branded wallets. The Mea Token Platform requires just a single integration to connect to all Token Service Providers (TSPs) and enables OEM wallets and Issuer wallets in parallel. MTP can be hosted on your premises or at MeaWallet's secure data centre, and we'll handle all of the system maintenance, regulatory changes and upgrades for you. The MTP also gives you access to all of the functionalities you will need to perform token lifecycle management, customer support and reporting, and our turnkey solution means you can have your solution on the market in next to no time. For Payment Service Providers, FinTechs and other Financial Institutions that want to digitise cards and enable payments with Google Wallet or any other OEM wallet or Issuer wallet, MeaWallet offers a secure, compliant, certified and easy-to-implement solution through a single connection. Q: Why is Google Pay shutting down? Q: What will happen to the Google Pay app? Q: What steps should I take to transition to Google Wallet? Q: How will this affect my existing payment cards and transaction history? Q: What happens if I don't update to Google Wallet by the shutdown date? Q: How does this change affect MeaWallet clients? Q: What specific steps should users take to transition from Google Pay to Google Wallet? Q: How will the shutdown of Google Pay affect existing user data and transaction history? Q: What will happen to users who do not transition to Google Wallet by the shutdown date?
Cutting through the confusion
To learn more about Apple Pay tokenisation and Google Wallet, Get in touch with us here!FAQ: Google Pay Shutdown
A: Google is simplifying its payment options by transitioning users from Google Pay to Google Wallet, which offers more functionalities such as storing IDs, boarding passes, and car keys.
A: The Google Pay app will be defunct from June 4, 2024, in the US. However, in-store and online payments will still be called "Google Pay."
A: Users need to update their Google Pay app to Google Wallet via their app store. All existing data and payment methods should transition seamlessly.
A: All existing payment cards and transaction history should transfer automatically to Google Wallet. Users should verify their data post-transition to ensure everything is intact.
A: If users do not update to Google Wallet, their Google Pay app may cease to function, affecting their ability to make payments until the update is completed.
A: There is no impact on MeaWallet clients. Tokenised cards will continue to work seamlessly with Google Wallet after the transition.
A: Users typically need to update their app via their app store. Once updated, the app will function as Google Wallet with existing payment methods and data intact. For precise steps, users should check Google's official support page.
A: This data should seamlessly transfer to Google Wallet. However, users should review Google's data retention policies for specifics.
A: Their Google Pay app may cease to function properly, affecting their ability to make payments until they update to Google Wallet.
FAQs
Why did Google Pay shut down? ›
The shutdown caps off the implosion of Google's payments division after a lot of poor decisions and failed product launches. Google's NFC payment journey started in 2011 with Google Wallet (apps No. 1 and No. 4 are both called Google Wallet).
Is Google Pay going to be closed? ›Google Pay will be shut down in the US on June 4, 2024, and users will be migrated to Google Wallet. It's payment services remain unaffected in India. Google has announced that it will shut payments app Google Pay in the US to simplify app experience for users.
Is there an issue with Google Wallet today? ›User reports indicate no current problems at Google Pay.
Why did Google Pay decline? ›'Your payment was declined due to an issue with your account' If you find this message, it might be because: We saw a suspicious transaction on your payments profile. We need a little more information to protect your account against fraud.
What app is replacing Google Pay? ›Windows Intelligence In Your Inbox
Google Wallet is a superset of the Google Pay app—it stores transit cards, driver's licenses, state IDs, and other digital items in addition to payment methods—so this plan makes sense. And according to Google, Wallet is used five times as often as Pay in the U.S. anyway.
Google said that the planned move is to simplify its payments options. The company wants to shift users over to Google Wallet, which is vastly more popular than the Pay app (Google says it is used five times more in the U.S.). This story was updated on February 26th.
Is Google Pay being phased out? ›Common questions about these changes. When will the U.S. version of the Google Pay app no longer be available for use? Starting on June 4, 2024, the U.S. version of the Google Pay app is no longer available for use.
What is the issue with Google Pay? ›A Google Pay (GPay) transaction failure occurs for various factors, such as insufficient funds, technical glitches, or connectivity issues, can cause this issue. The users who experiencing transaction failures should check their payment method details, ensure sufficient balance, and verify network connectivity.
Why is Google Pay suspended? ›Use of the Google Wallet and any related accounts may be suspended if Google determines if you have committed several violations or a serious violation of the User Policy. Any related accounts may also get permanently suspended and you may not be allowed to open a new account.
Why has Google Pay suddenly stopped working? ›The reasons may vary from simple ones, like an old app version, an expired or invalid card, lack of NFC support or disabled NFC. However, there may be more complex issues, for example, suspicious activity on your card or inability to add a credit card due to your bank or card issuer policies for contactless payments.
Is Google Wallet going to replace Google Pay? ›
In an update to the mobile payment sector, Google has announced it will discontinue Google Pay in the US by June 2024, transitioning users to Google Wallet. YouGov Profiles data reveals key demographics and usage preferences affected by this change.
What is the difference between Google Pay and Google Wallet? ›Google Wallet allows consumers to hold a wallet balance, send and receive money from friends in the United States, and use a plastic card in stores and online. Google Pay allows users to tap and pay in stores and use/redeem loyalty cards, gift cards, and offers in store.
Why can't I pay through Google Pay? ›Check to find if your payment method is up to date. If it is not, update it in the Payments centre, then try your purchase again. Make sure you have enough money in your account for the purchase. If you're still having issues, contact your bank to find if there's a problem with your account.
Why has my Google Pay been cancelled? ›As an additional security measure, Google may remove your card from Google Pay if: Your device has not had network connectivity for a considerable period of time; or. You have removed the security control used to access your device (e.g screen lock, passcode or biometric identifier)
Why does my Google Pay keep stopping? ›Head over to the Settings icon on your phone. Scroll down until you find Google Pay – which should be near the top as you've been accessing it to troubleshoot these issues – and click on it. Click on Clear cache. Once you've done that, restart the app, and you should be all set.
Why is Google Pay no longer available? ›From June 4, GPay will no longer be available on the Play Store or functional on existing devices. This move coincides with the end of peer-to-peer (P2P) payment functionality in the US. Google is shifting its strategy to consolidate mobile payment services within the Google Wallet app.
What has happened to Google Pay? ›A: Google is simplifying its payment options by transitioning users from Google Pay to Google Wallet, which offers more functionalities such as storing IDs, boarding passes, and car keys. Q: What will happen to the Google Pay app? A: The Google Pay app will be defunct from June 4, 2024, in the US.
Why Google Pay is suspended? ›Use of the Google Wallet and any related accounts may be suspended if Google determines if you have committed several violations or a serious violation of the User Policy. Any related accounts may also get permanently suspended and you may not be allowed to open a new account.
