Google Wallet Review: A Milestone or a Missed Opportunity for Pakistan?

Google has officially launched its mobile payment service, Google Wallet, in Pakistan, aiming to enhance the country’s digital payment landscape. This development has sparked a variety of responses from Pakistani users, reflecting both optimism and skepticism.

The introduction of Google Wallet is being hailed as a crucial move towards a more cashless economy. The public anticipates that Google Wallet will enhance digital transactions by means of its secure and efficient payment system.

A LinkedIn user remarked, “This is an incredible step forward for Pakistan’s digital payment landscape! With Google Wallet now available, users can enjoy secure, seamless, and convenient transactions both in stores and online…”

 

The platform’s advancement presents new opportunities for financial inclusion, as it is expected to motivate additional merchants and banks to employ the platform. A LinkedIn user asked, “How soon do you think other banks are going to join the fold?”

Bookme, a leading e-ticketing platform in Pakistan, has integrated Google Wallet into its services. A representative from Bookme expressed pride in being the first to adopt this technology, stating, “Now, customers can save their airline, bus, train, and event passes directly to Google Wallet and receive real-time updates.”

Supporters also highlight the convenience and security that Google Wallet offers. One user commented, “That’s a huge win for Pakistan! Google Wallet will definitely make digital transactions easier and more secure. Exciting to see how it will revolutionize the way people make payments and manage finances.”

Others believe that this move will push Pakistan further into the digital age. “Another step closer to a truly cashless economy! The future of commerce is seamless, and Pakistan has joined the ranks!” one user wrote.

Another LinkedIn user stated, “Pakistan’s financial ecosystem is evolving, and Google’s commitment to digital inclusion is evident. Can’t wait to see how this transforms the way we shop, pay, and travel!”

Concerns Over Delayed Implementation

Despite the enthusiasm, some users have expressed disappointment over the delayed introduction of Google Wallet in Pakistan. “how much do we lack in technological advancement. The world got it back in 2011, almost 15 years ago. Our nearest neighbor, India, got it back in 2017, almost 8 years ago and we are getting it now…” wrote a user.

Another user commented, “This is a great step forward, but how many people are actually using Google Pay already?” hinting at concerns about adoption rates in Pakistan.

Additionally, concerns about the practical adoption of Google Wallet have surfaced. One user questioned, “How can it help with receiving international payments?” Another pointed out that many point-of-sale (POS) terminals in Pakistan do not support Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, limiting the utility of contactless payment features. “Most POS don’t support NFC / Tap and Pay services, so what’s the point of having Google Wallet?”

Compatibility Issues

The exclusivity of Google Wallet to Android devices has also been a point of contention. An iPhone user expressed dissatisfaction, stating, “Not useful for Apple users, as Google Wallet is only supported on Android devices.” This limitation has led to calls for the introduction of similar services compatible with other operating systems, such as Apple Pay.

Moreover, users have reported challenges in linking their bank cards to Google Wallet. “I tried adding two cards from different banks, but both say that the bank does not support the app,” shared one user. Another questioned, “Is there a list of bank cards from Pakistan that are compatible with Google Wallet?”

Some users also raised concerns over whether this move truly benefits the common people. “Some of the key usage mentioned for this digital wallet is still a small part of the payment ecosystem. Can’t we think of building a use case for buying six oranges from a street hawker through this digital form of payment?”

Impact on Local Digital Payment Services

The arrival of Google Wallet has prompted discussions about its impact on existing local digital payment platforms like EasyPaisa and JazzCash. Some users of Google Wallet anticipate that this entry will compel these payment platforms to enhance their operations. The future of Google Wallet is contingent upon the widespread adoption of NFC technology in Point of Sale (POS) terminals and the support of banking institutions to ensure its widespread acceptance.

A user compared it with local alternatives, asking, “The tap-and-pay convenience and security upgrades sound promising, but how does it improve on what local wallets like JazzCash or Easypaisa already offer?”

Another LinkedIn professional shared concerns over local adoption, stating, “Most banking apps already have NFC support in their apps. The real issue is that POS terminals don’t accept contactless payments at the moment, and the banking sector should improve on that.”

Google Wallet vs. Google Pay

Google Wallet and Google Pay are separate payment systems under Google’s payment system. Google Wallet commenced operations in 2011 before merging with Android Pay to create the extended payment system Google Pay in 2018. However, Google Wallet returned in 2022 as a standalone app for digital card storage, including payment cards, transport passes, and event tickets, but actual transactions are still managed by Google Pay.

Numerous users question why Google Pay with complete payment features was not released instead of Google Wallet in Pakistan. Due to the lack of PayPal and Apple Pay services in Pakistan, users believe that Google Pay would better suit the country’s digital payment needs. The lack of NFC adoption renders Google Wallet’s tap-to-pay function unworkable, raising questions about its practical worth.

The launch of Google Wallet in Pakistan marks an important milestone for Pakistan’s modern digital payment systems. The success of Google Wallet depends on its ability to resolve compatibility problems and system integration issues alongside technological readiness to deliver enhanced convenience and safety.

Some users remain hopeful that this launch will push banks and businesses to adopt more digital payment solutions. “This will not only be a catalyst for the digital payments ecosystem and make digital transactions more accessible and convenient for millions, but also enable a lot of other use cases in industries like agriculture and e-commerce,” one industry expert stated.

However, the future success of Google Wallet as an industry-transforming tool for digital transactions in Pakistan remains uncertain. Digital payment adoption in Pakistan will expand based on growing bank partnerships and merchant acceptance together with addressing public security and accessibility concerns.