Google Wallet for kids is expected to roll out in 2025. “Following the success of Tap-to-Pay on Fitbit Ace LTE devices, we’re expanding Tap-to-Pay for kids to Google Wallet,” Google said in a statement. 9to5Googlefirst reported it. Parents can approve credit and debit cards added to their children’s phones, and Google’s Family Link makes it easy to review transactions and approve or remove cards.
The service will be built on the tap-to-pay feature of Google’s Fitbit Ace LTE children’s activity tracker. This expansion also makes the Google Wallet app available to children with Android smartphones whose parents have set up Family Link and authorized access.
A parent’s existing payment card in Google Wallet can be used for the child’s spin-off. When making a payment, your child must approve tap-to-pay purchases using standard authentication options (fingerprint, facial recognition, PIN or password). At launch, the service is said to support gift cards and event tickets, but not online purchases, ID cards, or health cards.
Apple has already taken a similar position regarding children’s purchases. Families in the company’s ecosystem can let their kids use Apple Pay in stores and online, and send money through Messages in Apple Cash Family.
9to5Google Google’s payments for kids feature will be rolled out next year to “select Google Wallet users in several countries,” including the United States. A broader rollout is planned at some point thereafter.
