In 2025, Google plans to roll out tap-to-pay functionality on Google Wallet for children using Android phones, allowing parents to monitor spending and authorise payment methods for their kids. Following the success of Google's tap-to-pay feature on Fitbit's Ace LTE activity trackers, the company has decided to expand the offering to Google Wallet. This means that parents can grant children access to tap-to-pay, making it easy for them to make in-store purchases while parents maintain complete oversight.
Parental control through Family Link
Through Google's Family Link app, parents can set up and monitor transactions made by their children using Google Wallet. This feature gives parents control over payment cards used by children, allowing them to view purchase history, approve transactions, or revoke card access as needed. Family Link has been a popular tool for managing children's online activities, and adding tap-to-pay supervision offers an additional layer of financial oversight.
Google explained its motivation for the launch, stating that parents had positively responded to the similar tap-to-pay feature on the Fitbit Ace LTE tracker. The upcoming addition to Google Wallet is designed to build on that success, offering families with Android phones a safe, controlled way to give children limited purchasing power.
Child-friendly payment options
Parents will be able to set up their existing credit and debit cards in Google Wallet for their children's limited access. All tap-to-pay payments require authentication. Children will use standard verification options like fingerprints, facial recognition, a PIN, or a password to confirm their purchases. This added security measure will help prevent unauthorised usage.
While the feature offers freedom, certain limitations ensure that kids' transactions stay secure and manageable. At launch, the service will only support in-person tap-to-pay purchases, event tickets, and gift cards. Google has confirmed that children cannot access online shopping, identification cards, or health cards through Google Wallet. These restrictions ensure that kids only use Google Wallet in ways parents can control directly.
Google Wallet for kids expands in 2025
Google is one of many to explore ways for children to make secure payments. Apple, for example, already provides similar features in its ecosystem. Through Apple Pay and Apple Cash Family, parents can enable their children to make purchases in stores and online or even send money through Messages.
Google's approach will launch first for “some Google Wallet users in several countries,” including the United States. According to 9to5Google, the rollout will continue in additional markets once the initial launch proves successful. Currently, the feature is slated for launch in 2025, and Google has not yet disclosed whether there will be any further restrictions or expanded capabilities at a later stage.
With Google Wallet's upcoming child-friendly expansion, families with Android devices will soon have an easy way to manage their children's spending with features prioritising parental control and security.
