Google has rolled out new Google Wallet features that allow parents in the US to send money directly to their children.
In a blog post, the Alphabet subsidiary said parents can set up a “secure balance” on the digital wallet for children and teens under 18.
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Minors can use this balance through Google Pay for tap-to-pay purchases in stores on NFC-enabled Android and Wear OS devices.
The update is enabled by allowing parents to transfer money from their own account to a child’s Wallet balance.
Parents can also set spending limits and monitor activity through transaction history and push notifications. Additionally, guardians can lock or unlock the balance remotely.
Google Pay Product Management director Lisa Yokoyama said in the blog post: “With back-to-school season fast approaching, parents are busy preparing their children for the year ahead.
“To make getting ready a little easier, today we’re launching a new Google Wallet tool that gives parents a safe and simple way to manage their kids’ money, building on the helpful features we already offer to families.”
Google’s approach mirrors other payment platforms aimed at families. Apple supports Apple Cash for children and teens with iPhones, while PayPal-owned Venmo and Block’s Cash App offer teen accounts with parental supervision tools.
A Google spokesperson was quoted by Bloomberg as saying that existing services don’t support online and in-app purchases, and person-to-person payments by minors.
As a result, users under 18 cannot receive money from friends or additional family members beyond parents.
Google also restricts certain adult-oriented merchant categories, including alcohol, tobacco, gambling, dating services, car rentals, lodging and firearms, the publication added.
