Google Wallet
Google has officially launched Google Wallet in Pakistan, providing users with a secure and convenient way to manage essential items such as payment cards, loyalty cards, and boarding passes directly from their Android devices.
This marks a significant step forward in the country’s digital payment landscape, offering seamless transactions and greater accessibility for users.
According to Farhan Qureshi, Country Director for Google Pakistan, the rapid evolution of digital payments in Pakistan has created a need for more efficient and secure transaction methods. “With more people embracing digital transactions, Google Wallet provides a secure, seamless, and efficient way to make payments, shop, and travel,” he stated.
He further emphasized that Google Wallet will allow Pakistanis to tap-and-pay in stores, check out seamlessly online, and access their boarding passes with ease while traveling.
Qureshi also highlighted that Google Wallet ensures security by keeping everything protected in one place. He added that the service will play a crucial role in promoting financial inclusion across Pakistan, opening up economic opportunities for a wider segment of the population.
In the coming months, Google Wallet users in Pakistan will also be able to shop using Google Pay at well-known online retailers, including Onic, Gul Ahmed, Sana Safinaz, J., and KE, through PayFast’s integration.
Additionally, users will be able to store and manage boarding passes from airlines such as Batik Air and Thai Airways, as well as tickets booked through platforms like Bookme.pk and Sastaticket.pk. The app will also support Naheed loyalty cards, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free travel and shopping experience.
Supported Banks and Cards
Currently, Google Wallet in Pakistan is compatible with the following banks and cards:
- Bank AlFalah (Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards)
- Bank of Punjab (Mastercard credit cards)
- Faysal Bank Noor (Mastercard debit cards)
- HBL (Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards)
- Jazzcash (Mastercard debit cards)
- Meezan Bank (Visa and Mastercard debit cards)
- UBL (Visa and Mastercard debit cards)
Additionally, several banks will soon be added to the list of supported financial institutions, including:
- Allied Bank (Visa debit cards) – Coming Soon
- easypaisa Digital Bank (Visa debit cards) – Coming Soon
- JS Bank (Visa credit cards and Mastercard debit cards) – Coming Soon
- Zindigi (Visa debit and credit cards, and Mastercard debit cards) – Coming Soon
How to Use Google Wallet in Pakistan
Users who already have an eligible credit or debit card saved to their Google account will see it automatically appear in Google Wallet. To enable contactless payments, they simply need to follow the on-screen instructions.
For users without a saved card, adding a new one is easy. They must tap “Add a card” at the top of the app, review and accept their card issuer’s terms and conditions, and complete the verification process. Once verified, the card will be tokenized and ready for use.
Security and Privacy in Google Wallet
Security and privacy are fundamental features of Google Wallet. The service utilizes advanced tokenization technology to ensure that transactions remain secure. Instead of sharing the actual card number, Google Wallet generates a unique token for each device, linked to a security code that changes with every transaction.
Before adding a card, banks require verification to prevent unauthorized access. A screen lock is also mandatory, ensuring that only the authorized user can use the Wallet.
In case of a lost or stolen phone, users can take immediate action using the Find My Device feature. This allows them to lock their device, set a new password, or erase personal and payment information remotely.
Users can also manage their privacy settings through the Google Wallet app or by accessing the settings on a computer.
With its official rollout in Pakistan, Google Wallet is set to revolutionize the way people make payments, shop online, and travel, all while ensuring top-notch security and convenience.
