In a recent update, Google has announced that the standalone Google Pay app will be phased out in the United States on June 4, 2024, as part of a strategy to consolidate its payment services. This decision is aimed at simplifying Google's payment offerings by shifting focus to Google Wallet, which currently has a larger user base across 180 countries compared to Google Pay.
Google Pay Continues in Singapore and India
While the Google Pay app will no longer be available as a standalone service in the US, it will continue to operate in Singapore and India to meet the specific needs of users in these markets. Google highlights that this move is intended to streamline payment systems for both users and developers.
Despite the discontinuation of the Google Pay app, essential functionalities such as payment management and in-store payments will still be accessible through Google Wallet for users in the US. However, features like peer-to-peer payments, balance management within the app, and discovering offers and deals will be removed. Google recommends using the deals feature on Google Search as an alternative for accessing offers and discounts post the app's shutdown.
Managing Balances and Transferring Funds
For users concerned about their balances within Google Pay, there will be an option to transfer funds to a bank account via the Google Pay website after June 4, 2024. This ensures that users can securely manage their remaining balances even after the app is discontinued.
The transition signifies a new chapter in Google's payment ecosystem, which began with Google Wallet in 2011 and went through various changes with the introduction of Android Pay in 2015, eventually merging into Google Pay in 2018. With Google Wallet now taking a prominent role, it offers a broader range of functionalities beyond payments. This includes storing transport passes, state IDs, driver's licenses, and virtual car keys, utilizing technologies like ultra-wideband (UWB) for improved compatibility.
Details:
- Date of Google Pay App Discontinuation in the US: June 4, 2024
- Google Wallet User Base: Five times larger than Google Pay across 180 countries
As Google transitions its payment services, users can expect a more integrated and streamlined experience with Google Wallet while bidding farewell to the standalone Google Pay app in the US.
