Android will soon let kids use tap-to-pay – but it’s not as bad an idea as it sounds

Pocket power for pocket money

News By Jamie Richards published 31 October 2024

Under-18s will soon be able to use their Android phone to complete contactless payments with parent-approved debit and credit cards.

In a statement issued to 9to5Google, Google confirmed that Google Wallet will be made available to kids in 2025.

To download and use the Wallet app, the individual in question must be a supervised child in Google’s Family Link system, which will allow them to use their parent or guardian’s approved debit or credit card to make tap-to-pay purchases in stores. Crucially, this system won't work online.

And even in brick-and-mortar environments, a device PIN, password, or biometric authentication will be needed to approve contactless payments.

Parents and guardians will also be able to view recent transactions, approve and remove cards remotely, and block passes.

This implementation of the Wallet app also allows the storage of event tickets and gift cards, but not health cards or any form of ID – at least not at launch.

The rollout follows the successful implementation of tap-to-pay on the Fitbit Ace LTE kids activity tracker, which Google says has garnered positive feedback (Fitbit has been a Google brand since 2021).

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