Google now allows their mobile users to make payments via their Gmail apps
Google have just enabled their users to make or request transactions directly from their Android app. While this was already possible on the Gmail Desktop app via Google Wallet, the feature is now available for mobile users, too.
Starting March 14th, Google users can make or receive payments only using their smartphones. The process is incredibly simple. Payments come under the form of attachments, so making a transaction is now as easy as sending photos, videos, or documents. Thus, all you have to do is choose the attachment option, then select “Send money”. Then you have to write the sum, choose an optional memo, and you are done.
Transaction app with no costs
Do the receivers of the money need a Gmail account as well? No, since the transaction follows the regular process and Google can transfer the money directly into the bank account of the recipient. Google wrote a blog post about the new mobile feature.
“Whether you’re splitting a dinner bill or planning a group trip, you now have a fee-free way to work out the details and settle up without ever leaving the Gmail app on Android, just like you can already do on the web.”
Also, the service is free of charge, both for the sender and for the receiver. This makes the Gmail transaction method more friendly, as compared to other competitors such as Venmo and Square Cash. These payment services come with fees for several of the actions that they offer for their users.
The disadvantage comes for people outside the United States. The service is not available yet on Gmail for people from other countries. Also, Google made no announcement regarding a possible global release of the payment feature or an iOS version of the app.
There are other apps which allow payments
This is not the first app that enable users to send or receive money. Snapchat also has Snapcash, while Facebook also has a feature integrated in Messenger which lets users make payments. Also, other messaging platforms have some third-party bots which are meant to ease money-related issues.
Gmail might not be a messaging platform at the core, but the purpose of the integration of Wallet in the app is clear. The service aims to have a friendly interface for the users and to ease their discussions which involve money, such as planning trips, looking for gifts, or even donations.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
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