Google Wallet will soon be available for kids with Family Link-managed Android devices

2 min readUpdated May 28, 2025Oct 31, 20248:34 AM

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According to a new report, Google Wallet will be expanding to Android devices managed by Family Link, allowing kids to make tap-to-pay transactions in stores. This move comes after the positive response to tap-to-pay on Fitbit Ace LTE devices. Google emphasizes that the new experience is built with safety in mind.

This feature will reportedly be available next year for some Google Wallet users in several countries, including the US, before a wider expansion over time. Google built a lot of this infrastructure for its Wear OS-powered kids smartwatch earlier this year, noting the positive response of tap-to-pay on Fitbit Ace LTE. Here’s how it works:

Parents will need to approve every credit or debit card added to their child’s phone, similar to how it works with the Fitbit Ace LTE watch. They can also view recent transaction history and remotely remove a card or block passes through their Family Link app. Additionally, any existing payment card can be added to a kid’s Wallet. This could be very helpful in situations when a child will need to purchase something but the card to be used needs to be swapped.

To authenticate NFC payments, a device PIN, password, fingerprint, or facial recognition is required. Google Wallet for kids will also support gift cards and event tickets, but private passes like IDs and health cards will not be supported at launch. Kids will not be able to use cards saved in Google Wallet for online payments, only tap to pay.

Google emphasizes how this new experience is built with safety in mind and is taking a cautious approach to rolling out this feature, starting with a limited release before expanding to more users over time. This is a good approach, as it will allow Google to gather feedback and make any necessary adjustments before making the feature widely available.

I am curious to see how this feature will evolve over time and what other features will be added. I believe that this is a great way to introduce kids to the world of digital payments while also giving parents peace of mind. It will be interesting to see how this feature is received by parents and kids alike. I am also curious to see how this will impact the future of digital payments for kids.

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Questions & Answers

What payment methods will children be able to use with Google Wallet?

Children will be able to make tap-to-pay transactions using approved credit or debit cards added by parents. They will also be able to use gift cards and event tickets. Online payments will not be supported at launch.

How will parents control their child's use of Google Wallet?

Parents will need to approve every card added to their child's phone. They can also view transaction history, and remotely remove cards or block passes through their Family Link app.

When will this feature become widely available in the UK?

The feature will be available next year for some Google Wallet users in several countries, including the US, before a wider expansion over time. The article does not specify a timeline for UK availability.

What types of personal passes will not be supported in Google Wallet for kids?

Private passes such as IDs and health cards will not be supported at launch. Only gift cards and event tickets will be supported, in addition to approved payment cards.