Google Launches Google Wallet In South Africa To Enable Users Save And Access Card Payments

Google has launched Google Wallet in South Africa, enabling users to save and access payment cards, loyalty cards, and boarding passes, with support for additional items being added over time.

“Access to technology is vital for economic prosperity as millions of people use their mobile devices daily to tap and pay at stores, pay for public transportation, and utilize various passes. At Google, we have learned that great things happen when technology works for everyone,” said Google SA country director Alistair Mokoena.

“By including everyone – a dynamic ecosystem of manufacturers, developers, and users – we want to make digital wallets accessible to everyone through fast, secure access to their everyday essentials.”

Adding digital items to Google Wallet is equally simple and can often be done with a few clicks. For example, after purchasing a flight on an airline website, users will see a button labeled “Add to Google Wallet” to create the digital version of that item in their Wallet.

“Most importantly, security and privacy are built into every part of Google Wallet, making payments safer and allowing people to transact seamlessly and confidently throughout the day. This will allow users to make transactions using a virtual card number (a token),” said Mokoena.

Cardholders of FirstRand Bank, Discovery Bank, Investec, Standard Bank, ABSA, and Nedbank will be able to add their cards to Google Wallet and pay with their Android phones or Wear OS devices where contactless payments are accepted – in-store, in apps, or on the web.