Google Play Store payments can now be made using cash

Google I/O 2019 marks for some of the new and innovative technology launches in the field of smartphones and software. Google’s Android platform is one of the most innovative one and now the company has announced its new Android Q OS. But other than the Android, Google has also introduced changes to its Play Store. The company has announced that going forward, the users can pay for any apps using cash. With this, the company has announced a new way to get the app makers of the emerging markets to generate more revenue while generating revenue of its own.

Google’s new “pending transactions” allows the users to adopt different ways with which they can pay without using a credit card or an online payment option. The users/ customers of the emerging markets don’t always hold a credit card. And because of this, they lean towards ad-supported or free-to-play apps and games instead of a paid one. They rarely choose to go for the paid services be it games or apps which includes the in-app purchases.

With this new payment option, the Android user can choose between different payment methods. The user will be given the option to choose any payment method at the checkout. The users can go for credit/ debit card or use cash. For cash payments, the users would get a payment code which they can use to purchase using cash at a nearby store. At the store, the user can show the payment code to the cashier and pay the bill using cash. After the transaction is complete, the user will receive an email about the payment.

But if the user wants to opt for a refund, they won’t get a cash back. Instead, they will be given Play Store credit which they can use to make another payment.

Google’s new payment option doesn’t ask for credit card details or online payment details, as it asks cash to make the payment. Google has already rolled out several other payment options in the past like support for eWallets, UPI, carrier billing etc. It had also partnered with more than 20 carriers in India for billing partnerships with 170 globally.

But it should be noted that the carrier billing is not used globally that’s why the use of cash for making payment will be preferred in some areas. With the launch of a new payment mode, Google has introduced another payment option for the user.

Aurash Mahbod, the Director of Engineering responsible for the Play Store and Games on Google Play, speaking at the Google I/O Developer conference said, “We know that emerging markets are a key area of growth for you all, which is why we’re excited to announce ‘pending transactions. This is a new class of delayed form of payment – like cash, bank transfer and direct debit.”