How to Set Your Kids Up with Google Wallet

If your child has their own Android device, you no longer need to worry about loaning them your credit card or keeping cash on hand for purchases when you're not present. Kids can now use Google Wallet for tap-to-pay—with some parental oversight, of course, so they can't get into too much financial trouble without you knowing.

Google teased this feature last fall and in February announced its inclusion in an anticipated update to Google Family Link. Google Wallet and tap-to-pay for kids is now live and available to families in the United State, United Kingdom, Australia, Spain, and Poland.

How Google Wallet works for kids

Kids can use tap to pay when checking out in stores that accept Google Pay or contactless payments. They must have a supervised Google Account and an NFC-enabled Android device (or a tethered Wear OS watch) with the Google Wallet app and screen lock enabled.

Importantly, kids cannot use Google Wallet for online or in-app purchases or for Google services, such as Play and YouTube. While there are no additional spending controls, you'll get an email every time there's a successful transaction, so you can keep an eye on payments. Transaction history is also available in the Family Link app.

Kids can also store passes, such as loyalty cards, gift cards, boarding passes, and event tickets, in Google Wallet. These can be added without parental approval, and you won't be notified if and when they are used.

How to set your child up with tap-to-pay

To add a payment card to your child's Google Wallet, open the Wallet app on their phone and tap Add to Wallet > New credit or debit card, then hit More > Next after reading the prompt. You'll need sign into your Google account, after which you can snap a photo of the card or enter the information manually. You'll also need to accept both Google's and the card issuer's terms to proceed, and you may be prompted to verify the payment method with a code sent via email or text or by calling or logging into your bank app.

Parents can also remove cards from Google Wallet, either from a specific device or via Family Link. Open Family Link, select your child's account, and go to Controls > Wallet > Payment methods and transactions. Then select the card and tap Remove > Remove. You cannot remove other types of passes from your child's wallet unless you block access to passes entirely in your Family Link settings.

Note that your child must be the cardholder or an authorized user for cards added to Google Wallet.

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