Google Pay app to be discontinued in the US, users urged to move to Google Wallet

Google has announced the discontinuation of its standalone Google Pay app in the United States, urging users to transition to Google Wallet.

Google bids farewell to its standalone Google Pay app, directing users to embrace the enhanced features of Google Wallet. (HT Tech)

Google has announced a significant change for its users in the United States - the discontinuation of the standalone Google Pay app. In a recent blog post, the tech giant revealed that the app will no longer be available after June 4, 2024. Instead, users are encouraged to migrate to Google Wallet, which will become the primary platform for managing digital payments and transactions.

The decision to sunset the Google Pay app comes with implications for users accustomed to its features. Once the app is removed, functionalities such as peer-to-peer payments, offer discovery, and balance management will no longer be accessible. However, Google Pay will continue to operate in other markets, including India and Singapore, albeit in different capacities, reported GSMArena.

Despite its widespread usage across 180 countries, Google is refocusing its efforts on the desktop version of Google Pay for ChromeOS, macOS, and Windows PC. On mobile devices, Google Pay will be integrated into the Google Wallet ecosystem, which offers dedicated apps for both Android and iOS platforms. This strategic realignment aims to streamline Google's payment services and enhance user experience across different platforms.

Google Wallet, the flagship service, serves as a secure repository for various credentials, including payment cards, transit passes, and identification documents like state IDs and driver's licenses. Notably, Google Wallet boasts five times more usage than the Google Pay app in the United States, indicating its importance in the company's payment ecosystem.

For users with remaining balances in their Google Pay accounts, Google recommends transferring funds to their bank accounts before the June 4 deadline. Additionally, finding deals and offers, previously available through the Google Pay app, will now be seamlessly integrated into Google Search, with a dedicated Deals section catering to users in the US.

While the discontinuation of the Google Pay app may initially disrupt routines for some users, the transition to Google Wallet promises enhanced security and convenience for managing digital transactions. As Google continues to evolve its payment ecosystem, users can expect a seamless and integrated experience across its various platforms and services.

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