Google Wallet: Tap Card Feature That Can be Added to Your Android Phone Reportedly in the Works

The Near Field Communication (NFC) feature on Android smartphones and the chips on plastic Credit or Debit cards may soon be utilized by users when choosing to add their information to the Google Wallet app with just a tap.

This is the latest discovery found from codes in a new update, which will allow users to easily add their cards to compatible Android smartphones via the Wallet app.

This feature is known for being available over at the Apple Wallet app for iOS, with Google being left behind already for several years despite the presence of the NFC readers on Android devices.

Google Wallet: Tap Card Feature Reportedly Coming

Android Authority has shared a report about the latest strings of code it found in the latest Google Play Services update, which provided insights to the next Google Wallet feature coming for users. The codes show a "tap to add a card" feature for Android smartphones, which finally takes advantage of the NFC technology available in both the devices and plastic cards.

This feature will help simplify the experience for users who want to create a digital copy of their credit or debit cards that they may also use for places that accept this kind of payment option.

It took Google time before any evidence of this feature appeared in its code, but the good thing is that it is possibly coming soon for users.

Easily Add Cards to Your Android Phones

According to the code, users only need to hold the card behind the Android device to copy the details and add it to the Wallet app. Previously, users need to either scan the card to capture its details.

The Wallet app will then fill in the necessary information or the user must enter the details manually, all before its verification with one's bank.

Through this rumored featured, the need to scan or copy the details one by one is simplified by holding the card on the Android device's NFC reader and let the app do the work for users.

Google Wallet App and Its Features

Over the years, Google has made its Wallet app more than just a payment platform that stores cards and other information so users may easily check out of stores or online e-commerce platforms.

This is because Google took advantage of the NFC technology, which allowed other types of cards to be stored here, including state IDs and driver's licenses.

Moreover, Google has also collaborated and partnered with the hotel industry to add hotel card keys for easier check-in processes as well as access to rooms and amenities of their partners. Instead of having to bring the key card at all times, users only need their Android smartphones to authenticate their rental and give them access to their rooms.

Recently, Google has also added a Family feature for the Wallet app, which allows a parent to share their payment credentials to other members, especially children, and let them purchase items on their parent's behalf. This feature gave parents various controls on the spending activities of their children to avoid egregious spending or unauthorized purchases as they can approve or reject a purchase.