Google Pay App to Shut Down in the US, Transitioning to Google Wallet

Later this year, the Google Pay app in the United States will cease operations, prompting users to transition to Google Wallet starting June. This is aligned with Google's objective to streamline its payment platforms.

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Shutting Down Google Pay App

The Google Pay app in the United States is set to shut down later this year, with users directed to switch to Google Wallet starting in June.

While Google Pay has been operational in various countries, including the US, since being largely replaced by Google Wallet in 2022, it will now be discontinued in the US on June 4, 2024, as part of Google's effort to streamline its payment platforms.

However, Google Pay will continue to be available in Singapore and India due to specific regional needs, as stated by Google in a blog post.

With the app's deprecation, features such as peer-to-peer (P2P) payments, balance management, and finding offers and deals will be removed. Users are encouraged to use the new deals destination on Search instead.

Despite the changes, users will still have the option to transfer their Google Pay (GPay) balance to a bank account through the Google Pay website after June 4, 2024.

Simplifying Payment Apps

Google Wallet has emerged as the primary platform, boasting five times the user base across 180 countries compared to Google Pay.

Unlike its predecessor, Google Wallet offers a broader range of functionalities beyond payments, including storing transport passes, state IDs, driver's licenses, virtual car keys, and more. However, Google Pay services will remain accessible through Google Wallet.

Google Wallet has garnered five times more usage compared to Google Pay. This popularity can be attributed to Wallet's diverse functionalities, extending beyond payment processing to include features such as storing credit cards for tap-to-pay, managing digital IDs, and organizing public transit passes.

Google's pattern of introducing and subsequently discontinuing products due to insufficient demand or commercial viability is a familiar trend.

The company's track record includes the closure or integration of various offerings like Jamboard, Stadia, and Google Play Music. Thus, the decision to phase out Google Wallet is consistent with this pattern. Google's payment ecosystem has undergone several transformations over the years.

It began with the introduction of Google Wallet in 2011, pioneering a tap-to-pay system well ahead of Apple Pay's debut in 2014. Google Wallet initially garnered support from Mastercard and major retailers such as Macy's.

Subsequently, Android Pay emerged in 2015, eventually merging with Google Wallet in 2018 and assuming the rebranded name Google Pay.

Notably, Google also offered a Google Wallet card, discontinued in 2016, functioning as a prepaid debit card accepted at any retailer that honored Mastercard. Presently, all payment functionalities fall under the Google Wallet umbrella, barring any future alterations by the company.