Google revealed on Wednesday that kids with Android phones can now use Google Wallet to make tap payments in stores in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Spain, and Poland. Parents and guardians in these countries can now grant their children access to digital payments on their Android devices with supervision. Kids can also utilize Google Wallet to access supported passes, such as event tickets, library cards, and gift cards.
Google emphasizes that a payment card can only be added with parental consent, and parents will receive an email each time their child completes a transaction. Additionally, parents can utilize Family Link, Google’s parental control app, to monitor their child’s recent purchases, remove payment cards, and disable access to passes. It’s important to note that children will not be able to use Google Wallet for online purchases.

To begin, a child and their parent must navigate to the Wallet app on the child’s Android phone and tap “Add to Wallet” on the bottom left of their screen. Then, they must select the “Payment card” option and tap “New credit or debit card.” The app will then prompt the parent to verify their status as a parent by logging into their Google Account. They can then add a credit or debit card. Once completed, the child can start using the Wallet app for in-store purchases.
This launch was not unexpected, as Google announced last month that it would be introducing this feature in the spring. Google did not provide further details when questioned about expanding the feature to additional regions.
With this announcement, Google is now on par with Apple, which already permits children to use Apple Pay for in-store purchases through its Apple Cash Family service.