Google is to launch a prepaid debit card for use in stores and at ATM machines, linked to users’ Google Wallet accounts. The card, which will only be available in the United States, will be available free of charge and not include monthly or annual fees. The card can be ordered online as of Wednesday […]
Google is to launch a prepaid debit card for use in stores and at ATM machines, linked to users’ Google Wallet accounts.
The card, which will only be available in the United States, will be available free of charge and not include monthly or annual fees.
The card can be ordered online as of Wednesday and usually takes between 10 and 12 days to arrive.
“Your roommate finally paid you back for dinner through Google Wallet, and you want to use that money right away to pay for groceries this week. Now, you can use the new Google Wallet Card to spend the money instantly,” explained Sandra Mariano, product manager of Google Wallet, in ablog post.
“Choose either credit or debit at checkout, and if you’re prompted for a PIN, enter your Google Wallet PIN,” said Mariano. Users can also withdraw cash from ATMs, get cash back with purchases, or get cash over the counter at a bank, she added.
The card will allow users to access funds stored in their Google Wallet accounts. This balance can be topped up either from a linked bank account or credit/debit card; or someone sending money via Google Wallet or Gmail.
The card is currently only available in the United States and cannot be used overseas. There are no annual or monthly fees. However, ATM withdrawals could attract charges depending on the bank.
AdWords business card in the UK
The news comes one month after Google launched a businesses credit card in the UK. The Google AdWords Business Credit card is a tool that Google hopes small business will use to pay for online ads they don’t have the cash to pay for at the time of purchase,
Brent Callinicos, Google’s treasurer, told the FT its smaller customers “weren’t buying Adwords as much as they need to” and that he hopes the credit card will help cash-strapped customers keep their online ad presences at an appropriate level by using the card.
Read the official blog announcement here
