Using PayPal to fund purchases through digital wallet services like Apple Wallet and Google Wallet is convenient, as you don’t have to juggle credit or debit cards. But that convenience is going away with Google Wallet in the US.
In a recent update to its Google Wallet support page, the company announced that PayPal will no longer be supported, effective June 13. Google will not only no longer allow PayPal payments, but it will also remove any linked PayPal accounts, so you won’t be able to use it as a payment method. The cutoff applies in the US but not in Germany, where Wallet users will still be able to tap into PayPal.
Also: How to use Google Wallet – and why you should alread
This latest news follows a prior announcement that Google was cutting off support for new PayPal setups in its Wallet app starting April 11. At the time, PayPal accounts already linked were still able to work. But the June 13 deadline means that no PayPal accounts, new or existing, will be accepted as of that date.
There’s one more hiccup. As of June 13, Google Wallet will no longer display your PayPal transaction history. Instead, you’ll have to go to the PayPal website or app to view these transactions.
What do you do if you rely on PayPal with Google Wallet?
There is a lifeline.
Google says that PayPal branded debit cards will still be supported. Available as both a digital and a physical card, this one offers cash-back options and other perks and can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. To grab one if you don’t already have it, head to the PayPal Debit Card site, click the button to get the card, and follow the steps. After you’ve received the digital version, you can always request a physical card.
Also: Google Wallet brings digital IDs to more states – how to add yours
Instead of the PayPal card, you can also simply add an existing credit or debit card to Google Wallet. For that, browse to the Google Wallet website or open the Google Wallet app on an Android device. At the site, select the category for Payment Methods, click the button to add a payment method, and then add your credit or debit card. In the app, tap the Add to Wallet button and follow the steps to add a payment card.
Why is Google Wallet putting the kibosh on PayPal in the US?
Here’s the company’s explanation per the support page:
“To deliver smart, flexible, and more rewarding ways to pay, PayPal constantly improves their offerings. At this time, users who want to use PayPal as a payment method in their Google Wallets need to add their PayPal Debit Mastercard. For more information, refer to the email sent from PayPal.”
Also: Google Wallet’s latest feature is a game-changer for both parents and kids
No, that statement doesn’t really tell us anything. I contacted both Google and PayPal to see if either would share more details, and will update the story if I hear back.
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Source: Robotics - zdnet.com
