Google Wallet Launches in Pakistan: A Bank Card Alternative

In response to the growing trend of digital payments in Pakistan, Google has launched its digital payment app, Google Wallet, in the country.

According to Google, its Wallet app is already being used for digital payments in over 100 countries worldwide.

The company states that this Wallet offers Android users a secure, convenient, and efficient way to access essential items such as payment cards, loyalty cards, and boarding passes.

What is Google Wallet

Previously known as “Google Pay,” Google Wallet is a digital payment system for Android devices.

It functions as a digital wallet that allows users to make payments using their Android phones, store loyalty cards, boarding passes, train tickets, and various other cards, making online transactions easier.

With Google Wallet, Pakistani users will not only be able to shop online but also make payments at stores that support the “tap-and-pay” feature using their mobile phones.

Additionally, users will have easy access to their boarding passes while traveling.

Google claims that with this Wallet, users will no longer need to carry physical cards.

Farhan Qureshi, Google Pakistan’s Country Director, stated, “The digital payments sector in Pakistan is growing rapidly, and as more people adopt digital transactions, Google Wallet provides a secure, convenient, and efficient method for making payments.”

He further mentioned that the launch of Google Wallet would help create economic opportunities in Pakistan.

According to statistics released by the State Bank of Pakistan, by the end of 2023, 64% of Pakistan’s population had bank accounts.

This year, the central bank launched its third financial inclusion program, aiming to open bank accounts for 75% of the country’s adult population by 2028.

How to Use Google Wallet

If you have a valid credit or debit card, you can download the Google Wallet app from the Play Store. The app will prompt you to add payment cards, boarding passes, loyalty cards, etc.

Google Wallet automatically includes a user’s saved valid credit or debit card from their Google account.

Once the cards are added, users can use Google Wallet for contactless payments at authorized point-of-sale terminals.

According to Google’s official statement, cardholders from the following banks will be able to add their cards to Google Wallet and make payments using their Android phones or Wear OS devices:

Bank Alfalah (Visa, Mastercard debit and credit cards)

Bank of Punjab (Mastercard credit cards)

Faysal Bank Noor (Mastercard debit cards)

HBL (Visa, Mastercard debit and credit cards)

JazzCash (Mastercard debit cards)

Meezan Bank (Visa and Mastercard debit cards)

UBL (Visa and Mastercard debit cards)

Additionally, users can add boarding passes from Batak Air and Thai Airways to Google Wallet.

Google states that the Wallet app will notify travelers about their departure time, gate changes, and other important updates related to their boarding passes.