Google Wallet launched in South Africa
In an effort to establish a presence in South Africa’s fast expanding digital payments market, Alphabet Inc. has launched its Google Wallet. The COVID-19 pandemic has expedited digital transactions, and individuals are now more inclined to use their smart devices to make contactless payments.
Consumers can pay for things by touching their phones on the point of sale at the checkout counter of a store using the Google Wallet app, which also stores credit or debit card information.
FirstRand Bank, Discovery Bank, Investec, Standard Bank, ABSA, and Nedbank customers will be able to connect their cards to Google Wallet starting on Tuesday, according to the company. Before using the app, users must read and agree to the terms and conditions of the issuer. The card will be tokenized and available for use in Google Wallet once the card information has been confirmed.
After that, they will be able to tap and pay on websites or in physical stores that display the Google Pay or contactless icon. A few clicks are also needed to add digital items to accounts. For instance, users might click the “Add to Google Wallet” option after booking a flight on an airline’s website to add the virtual form of that item to their Wallet.
The Google Wallet, according to Dong Min Kim, Product Manager, would offer rapid and safe access to all of South Africa’s daily needs.
What Google Wallet Offers South Africans
Android users may save digital passes on their phones and make contactless purchases thanks to Google Wallet. It manages a payment token that needs to be authorized by a fingerprint, face, or pin in order to enhance user security and reduce fraud. Users can also save and access boarding passes, loyalty cards, event tickets, and payment cards.
With smartphones that allow near-field communication or Google Wallet, users can add payment cards to tap and pay everywhere. Credit or debit cards saved to a Google account in South Africa will automatically show up in Google Wallet. They must adhere to the on-screen instructions in order to enable contactless payments.
By choosing the “add a card” option in the carousel at the top of the wallet app page, users who do not already have their cards saved can add a card to Wallet.
“Access to technology is vital for economic prosperity as millions of people use their mobile devices daily to tap and pay at stores, pay for public transportation and to utilise a variety of passes. At Google, we have learned that great things happen when technology works for everyone,” said Google SA country director, Alistair Mokoena.
“By including everyone – a dynamic ecosystem of manufacturers, developers and users – we want to make digital wallets accessible to everyone through fast, secure access to their everyday essentials.”