Kids accounts will soon have tap-to-pay via Google Wallet

Google is expanding capabilities for digital wallets into the kids realm. With new supervised accounts capabilities in Google Wallet coming soon, you’ll now be able to authorize your children’s accounts to use tap-to-pay on their devices in physical locations. After a preview period that began last October, Google Wallet is now officially rolling for kids on Android phones to coincide with the launch of the new Pixel 9a.

This is being done via an integrated experience within Google’s Family Link ecosystem, so that means parents retain a significant degree of control for a safe and manageable introduction to digital payments for their children. While the ability to make in-store purchases via NFC is the headlining feature, the Wallet app will also support the storage of event tickets, gift cards, library cards, and other similar passes.

It’s important to note the limitations. For now, online Google Pay transactions are off the table, and sensitive documents like IDs and health cards won’t be supported. To add a credit or debit card, parents must authenticate in-person with their Google Account password to prevent unauthorized card additions.

Furthermore, parents can remotely remove payment methods or completely disable the pass capability if needed. Crucially, parents will also receive email notifications for every transaction their child makes, and recent purchases are easily viewable within the Family Link app. As with any NFC payment, a device PIN, password, fingerprint, or facial recognition is required for authentication.

This feature is rolling out over the coming weeks in the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Poland, and Australia.

VIA: The Verge