Google today announced new features for its Google Wallet app for both iOS and Android that makes it easier to manage gift cards and request and send from debit cards.
Like Google Wallet already allowed for loyalty cards, the app now lets users store, redeem, and check gift card balance:
You can already store your loyalty cards and offers in Google Wallet, and now you can easily keep your gift cards in Wallet too. Add your cards to Wallet just by snapping a picture of them or typing in the card info. Then, when you want to use the gift card at the store, just show your phone to the cashier at checkout.
The ability to check gift card balance is for now restricted to certain partners including: AMC, BestBuy, Nike, Sephora, ToysRUs, WholeFoods, and more. Some partners will also be offering a “Save to Google” button for gift cards that are distributed digitally, allowing users to instantly add the card in one click.
As for the new requesting and sending money features, both the Google Wallet apps and Gmail will now be able to send money from debit cards for free. The feature, first launched last year, allows users to send money to anyone 18 or older in the US using just an email address and previously charged 2.9% fee per transaction (minimum $0.30) for both credit and debit cards. That fee has now been removed for debit cards. Users can also now request money from friends with an invoicing feature, as pictured above.
Lastly, the Google Wallet apps for Android and iOS now offer a Spanish language setting.
The new versions of the apps are rolling out on the Google Play Store and the App Store this week in the US.
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAhXK-ATKWw&feature=youtu.be]
