Finally! For all you users of Google wallet out there, I know you can empathize with this feeling of sheer joy I have in my heart right now. Google just rolled out the update to wallet today, and yes, it finally supports all major credit and debit cards. No more having to add funds to a prepaid virtual MasterCard, just add the credit or debit card from your bank or credit union and all is done. The best part is, if the card you were using to add funds into wallet previously is your main card, the initial setup for the card is already done and will appear in your menu, all you have to do to finalize it is enter your cards address information. Once done it will proceed to add the card for use to your card menu interface. You can even customize the card with a name and color to somewhat match the bank or credit unions color scheme. Pretty unimportant on the scale of this announcement I know, but fun none the less and actually makes it a bit easier to find if you have multiple cards loaded up into the wallet app. As those of you who use wallet know, you can use this feature anywhere you can find a pay pass station, which should make things a whole lot easier now when you want to run in to a store and pick something up super quick but don’t have any funds in your wallet account. FRUSTRATIONS BE GONE!
Now I know not everyone has the ability to use Google Wallet or is even aware that this app and feature exists, (as I frequently encounter anytime I run to the store across the street from my place of business and they oooo and ahhh at the magic happening in front of them.) So let me just explain the nature and benefits of Google Wallet. If you’ve heard of MasterCard pay pass, then you essentially know about Google Wallet. Google Wallet is an app that you can use on your android device running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich or higher, and it originally tied to only a Citibank MasterCard or a prepaid credit card which you had to add funds to. This service is exponentially growing and you could use Google Wallet anywhere that you could find a MasterCard Pay Pass station. Most convenience stores, 7Eleven’s, plaid pantry’s, Circle K’s, and Rite Aids are almost guaranteed to have these. Many other local business in your area may have them set up and maybe you just never knew, but if you have a device that can utilize Google Wallet, I urge you to pick it up and start using it as it makes things a whole lot easier for a quick pick up.