Tech Desk 
Oct 31, 2024
Google Wallet is adding the ability to allow kids with Android phones to make payments through its “tap to pay” feature by next year, as per reports.
This development comes as a bid to keep pace with competitors against rivals like Apple, which allows kids to use Apple Pay through its Apple Cash Family for in-store purchases as well as online payments.
Google's tap to pay feature
Citing sources, 9to5Google reported that the feature will be available to kids, allowing them to make contactless payments straight from their Android phones. It will start rolling out to Google Wallet users in the US and other select regions as early as 2025.
Read more: Apple expands Tap to Pay on iPhone in five more European countries
Once rolled out, kids can make tap to pay purchases via standard authentication options such as fingerprint, facial recognition, PIN, or passwords.
While the feature will also allow kids to store gift cards or event tickets, they will not be able to make online purchases or save health and identification cards.
To ensure safe and responsible usage, parents can supervise card additions and removals and also monitor their kids’ transaction history.
Parents can also supervise their children’s accounts through the Google Family Link app launched back in 2022, which allows parents to impose restrictions on content and screen usage.
