Android Gmail App Now Enables Online Payment Via Google Wallet

Browser users have been able to conduct online payment or remittance via Gmail and Google Wallet for years. However, with most people conducting their internet activities via mobile these days, it only made sense that Google would want to provide these users with the same convenient services. As a result, Android users can now pay for stuff over the internet or transfer money via the Gmail app.

Based on what Google’s blog post announcement on the matter says, using the mobile service seems easy enough. It’s basically like sending an attachment, which most users should be able to do at this point.

“Whether you’re splitting a dinner bill or planning a group trip, you now have a fee-free way to work out the details and settle up without ever leaving the Gmail app on Android, just like you can already do on the web,” the post reads. “Plus, you can exchange money with anyone—not just people with Gmail addresses.”

For those wondering, the Google Wallet app doesn’t need to be installed in order to use the service. Users only need the Gmail app to purchase items or transfer money with. For recipients of money transfers, they can also make the configurations that will transfer the money directly to their bank accounts, TechCrunch reports.

Using the service involves no fees as well, which should a long way towards making it more appealing to users. It will certainly help make the service competitive, especially as Google seems bent on taking on juggernauts like PayPal and Venmo.

On that note, there are some concerns pertaining to the prospect of having to open the Gmail app just to make payments or send money to someone. For one thing, the cluttered inbox and other tabs could be a huge distraction compared to standalone payment services. Secondly, some people prefer not having to deal with the temptation of reading emails in the process.