Google is making its Wallet feature a stand-alone app, separate from Google Pay, for Singaporean users to store and access important info.
A boarding pass on Google Wallet / Photo credit: David Preston / Unsplash
Google Wallet, available on Android and Wear OS, allows users to store cards and documents, letting them quickly access files such as vaccine cards, event tickets, and boarding and loyalty passes. It also provides customizable security features such as authentication, biometrics, and encryption.
At launch, Google Wallet can be used to access partner services such as documents for Singapore Airlines flights, e-cards from Watsons and the National Library Board, as well as store vaccination certificates.
The app will later add support for mobile driver’s licenses, car keys, hotel keys, and office badges, among others.
Google explained that the move to separate Wallet and Google Pay was specific to Singapore, as the latter was viewed as a payments-centered app designed to help people transact, save, and manage their funds.
It added that this behavior was different from how Google Pay is seen in other countries, with the platform being used as a wallet to store payment cards, passes, and tickets, as well as for contactless payments. In those markets, the Google Pay app will be rebranded as Google Wallet.
See also: Should Singapore’s e-wallets be threatened by Google Pay?
Editing by Miguel Cordon and Lorenzo Kyle Subido
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