Earlier this week, Google launched its digital wallet app in India. Dubbed ‘Google Wallet’, this application is different from Google’s UPI payment app, Google Pay. While the latter is used to make online payments, Wallet can be used to store and access your boarding passes, movie tickets, and more. Outside of India, Google Wallet is also used to make contactless payments.
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In This Article
Can you make transactions using Google Wallet in India?
Google Wallet and Google Pay work as two discrete apps in India. While Google Pay is primarily used for digital transactions, the Wallet is a secure app for storing your tickets and passes. Here is a quick list of what either app does.
Google Pay
- Send and receive money via UPI
- Transfer money through your bank account
- Mobile recharge
- Electricity & other utility bills
- FASTag recharge, and more.
Google Wallet
- Store and access boarding pass
- Store and access movie tickets
- Shop and pay with gift cards
- Store and access your transport pass
As of now, Google has partnered with Hyderabad and Kochi Metro to store and access their transport tickets within the app. Other travel partners include Air India, MakeMyTrip, Ixigo, Easemytrip, and others. The tech giant is also working with system integrators like Wavelynx and Alert Enterprise to support corporate badges within the Wallet.
How to add a pass or ticket to Google Wallet
If your ticket or pass has a QR code, you can add it to your Wallet. Pixel users can simply take a screenshot of the boarding pass and tap on the ‘Add to Wallet’ option in the screenshot preview toolbar. Other Android users can follow the steps mentioned below.
Step 1: Launch the Google Wallet app and tap on Add to Wallet.
Step 2: Tap on Photo.
Step 3: Select the screenshot of your boarding pass.
The boarding pass will be added to your Wallet. This works for movie tickets, luggage tags, and parking receipts too, as long as they have a QR code on them. If you are using the same account on the Gmail and Wallet apps on your phone, your movie tickets and boarding passes from authorised partners will automatically be added to the Wallet. As of now, you cannot access the tickets on the Wallet app for WearOS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use Google Wallet for UPI payments?
No, Wallet cannot be used for UPI payments but you can use it for shopping for gift cards and paying with them.
How is Google Wallet different from Google Pay?
Google Pay is an app for UPI payments, bank transfers, and bills, while the other is an app to store and access your tickets, travel passes, and more.
Is Google Wallet available in India?
Google launched its Google Wallet app in India on May 8, 2024. It can be downloaded using the Google Play Store.
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Conclusion
Now that you know how Google Pay and Wallet are different from each other, you can use either app for its exclusive set of features. Google is working with local partners to increase support for movie tickets and public transport passes. As of now, only Hyderabad Metro, Kochi Metro, PVR, and INOX tickets can be accessed on the app.
