Google Wallet is one of the better apps to come out of Google for mobile devices, and if you use it regularly then today’s update may find you well. In addition to the usual improvements and bug fixes we can probably find here, Google has added in some new features that make using Google Wallet an even better experience than before. One of the new functions is the capability to request money from other users, friends and family or what have you, and have them transfer it to you from their account. The requests can be sent from within the Google Wallet application, not too unlike the feature within Groupme messenger that lets you requests funds from friends in that group to split checks, and then those users will receive your request and can send the money to you through an in-app transfer.
The other new feature is the capability to add Gift Cards into your Google Wallet account to store with any of the other cards you may already have in there. Google had previously supported your credit and debit cards as well as loyalty cards, but now users can store gift cards from various locations inside their Wallet account and use them at supporting establishments. This will make keeping track of all those gift cards that you get for birthdays and Christmas that much easier. You can add gift cards the same way you’d always had the ability to add in any other card, by typing in that card’s data, or you can simply snap a photo of it and save it, and you’re good to go.
In addition to simply storing your gift cards for use with Wallet, you’ll also be able to keep track of any remaining balances on those cards. Although not all retail outlets and businesses that have gift cards will be supporting this particular feature, popular businesses like Sephora, Whole Foods, Nike etc. are already set up to keep track of and show you your leftover balances on any gift cards you may have from them. No more having to call in to that 1-800 number just to check your balance so you can use what’s left. If your device is set up in Spanish instead of English, Google Wallet will also now support the same language.