3 New Features in Google Wallet to Simplify Shopping

Online shopping, bill payments, or international money transfers have become part of everyday life for many. As technology advances, so do our methods of financial transactions. Google, a significant driving force behind this change, has made our lives easier and smarter with its various services.

Recently, Google announced on their official blog that Google Wallet is adding three new features to make online payment experiences more convenient, flexible, and transparent. These features are specially designed for online shoppers who want to choose the right card, make payments in installments, and reduce hassles in international money transfers. Let’s take a look at these three new features.

1. Easily Discover Credit Card Rewards

When shopping online, we often wonder, “Which credit card will give the most rewards?” Previously, you had to visit each card’s website or find the terms to know this information. But now, Google has introduced a new convenience for its users.

In Google Chrome’s Autofill feature, you can now see reward details for over 100 credit cards. This means when you visit an online payment page, the possible benefits of each card will be shown in the Autofill suggestions.

Benefits

• Select the right card at the right time.
• Increase opportunities for more cashback, points, or miles.
• No need to waste time searching for information separately.

Example: Suppose you are buying an electronics product worth $200. Autofill shows that your Card A offers 5% cashback, while Card B offers 2%. You quickly realize that using Card A is more beneficial.

2. ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Becomes Simpler and Faster

Sometimes we need to make large purchases suddenly, but paying the full amount at that moment can be difficult. Many people use the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) service for this reason.

Google has now made the BNPL option easier. Eligible shoppers can now use Affirm and Zip through Google’s Autofill to make installment payments. Soon, Klarna, Afterpay, and several other BNPL services will be integrated.

Benefits

• Reduce stress for large purchases.
• Less hassle in filling out online forms.
• Start installment plans with just a few clicks.

Example: Suppose you want to buy a laptop worth $800, but paying the full amount at once is not possible. You choose Affirm from Autofill and make the payment in four installments — all in a few seconds.

3. Sending Money Internationally Becomes More Transparent

Sending money abroad is a regular task for many — whether it’s to help family, pay for education, or for business transactions. However, this process often involves hidden fees or unclear exchange rates.

Google is now testing a feature in Wallet Online and Google Search that allows users to view fees and exchange rates from international remittance providers like Ria Money Transfer, Xe, and Wise all in one place.

Soon, by simply searching any currency exchange rate on Google, you will be able to send money directly from this feature.

Benefits

• Get transparent information on fees and rates.
• Compare and understand which service is economical.
• Start the transfer process from one place.

Example: You want to send money from the USA to another supported country. Searching USD to the destination currency on Google shows you the rates and fees of three service providers. You quickly decide which is best for you.

Availability of These Features

According to Google’s announcement, these three new features are currently available only for users in the United States. The credit card reward details and ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ options are active only in the U.S. as they are integrated with American banks and payment services.

The international money transfer feature is currently in a trial phase, and only users in certain countries can see it now. These options are not yet visible from Bangladesh in Google Wallet or Google Search. However, Google typically rolls out new features globally in phases, so there is a possibility they may come to Bangladesh in the future.

Therefore, those in Bangladesh cannot use these new facilities yet — but by staying informed, they can start using them as soon as they are launched.

Conclusion

Google Wallet’s new 3 features make online payments more convenient and transparent. Whether it’s choosing the right credit card, making payments in installments, or sending money abroad — users will have the power to make quick decisions.

As technology advances, new opportunities arise in the world of financial transactions. This update from Google Wallet is an example of that.

💬 In your opinion, who would benefit the most if these features are launched in Bangladesh? Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments.