# **Google Wallet Empowers Kids to Make In-Store Purchases with Parental Oversight**
Google has rolled out an exciting new functionality in its **Google Wallet** app, enabling children to conduct **tap-to-pay** transactions in retail locations using their Android devices. This enhancement, which is being introduced in the **U.S., U.K., Australia, Spain, and Poland**, provides a means for kids to engage in digital payments while allowing parents to retain comprehensive control over their expenditure. However, online purchases are still prohibited.
## **Mechanics of Google Wallet for Kids**
In the past, children under 13 were unable to establish payment profiles on Google Wallet. With this latest update, kids can now save payment details on their gadgets and utilize **contactless payments** in physical stores.
To assure safety, children are required to unlock their devices using a **fingerprint, facial recognition, PIN, or passcode** prior to completing a transaction. Furthermore, they have the capability to keep **gift cards and event tickets** stored within their Google Wallet.
## **Parental Oversight for Responsible Spending**
Google has incorporated various parental controls to guarantee thoughtful spending:
– **Approval from Parents Needed**: Kids are unable to link a payment card to their Google Wallet without a parent’s consent.
– **Spending Monitoring**: Parents have the ability to observe their child’s spending in real-time.
– **Card Removal Capability**: If necessary, parents can withdraw the card from their child’s Google Wallet whenever they choose.
– **In-Store Transactions Only**: In contrast to Apple’s system, which facilitates online shopping and peer-to-peer transactions, Google Wallet for kids is **restricted to in-store tap-to-pay purchases**.
## **Google vs. Apple: Distinct Strategies**
Google’s initiative brings it nearer to **Apple Pay**, which has long enabled children to make purchases via **Apple Cash Family**. However, a significant distinction is that **Google Wallet confines transactions to in-store interactions**, while Apple also allows for **online shopping and peer-to-peer payments**.
## **Importance of This Update**
This enhancement offers children a **secure and practical** method for making purchases while providing parents with **complete authority** over their finances. By restricting transactions to in-store purchases, Google guarantees that youngsters **cannot conduct unauthorized online transactions**.
With this innovative feature, Google Wallet is enhancing digital payment accessibility for younger individuals while emphasizing a **robust commitment to safety and parental supervision**.
