Google Wallet has evolved into a top choice among Android wallet apps, offering a range of features. Beyond enabling contactless payments, the app allows users to store government-issued I.D.s, loyalty cards, and memberships for services like gyms or yacht clubs.

In the U.S., the app has gained momentum since its transition from Google Pay, with 44 additional banks supporting it in December 2023. Google Wallet's ongoing improvements make it a versatile and user-friendly solution for seamlessly handling diverse financial and membership transactions on Android devices.

New Banks Supporting Google Wallet Expansion

Google Wallet, previously Google Pay, garnered attention in September 2021 when the number of U.S. banks supporting the app surpassed 3,000. As Google Wallet strives to encompass the over 5,000 financial institutions in the country, its recent expansion involves 44 additional banks signing agreements to back the app. This ongoing effort enhances user accessibility and usability within Google Wallet.

The list of new banks supporting Google Wallet includes a diverse range:

• Aesthetics, APMA, Affiniti
• Brattleboro Savings and Loan Association (V.T.)
• City Federal Credit Union (TX)
• CommerceWest Bank (C.A.)
• Community Star Credit Union (O.H.)
• Country Bank (D.E.)
• County National Bank (MI)
• C.U. Hawaii Federal Credit Union (H.I.)
• Dave
• Extra Credit Union (US-MI)
• First National Bank in Taylorville (I.L.)
• Fluz Prepaid
• Long Reach Federal Credit Union (W.V.)
• Lynx Prepaid
• Geauga Credit Union (O.H.)
• Goldmark Federal Credit Union (M.A.)
• Green Belt Bank & Trust (I.A.)
• Hoosier Hills Credit Union (IN)
• Kalamazoo County State Bank (MI)
• Kennett Trust Bank (MO)
• Lakewood Credit Union (W.I.)
• Madison County Community Bank (F.L.)
• Main Street Bank (M.A.)
• Marygold & Co.
• Memphis Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union (T.N.)
• Money Network CA EDD
• Northstar Bank (MI)
• Opportunity Bank of Montana (M.T.)
• Pacific Valley Bank (C.A.)
• PayChex
• PayQuicker
• People Savings Bank (I.A.)
• PLS
• rapid! PayCard
• Sherburne State Bank (M.N.)
• Sherwood Community Bank (MO)
• State Bank of Missouri (MO)
• The Atlanta National Bank (I.L.)
• The Farmers State Bank of Quinton (OK)
• The State Exchange Bank (OK)
• Trailhead Credit Union (OR)
• United Valley Bank (N.D.)
• Venmo
• West Michigan Community Bank (MI)

Google Wallet has expanded its roster of supported banks, now including famous names like Venmo. Users can enjoy seamless payments and transactions. While some cards may not be supported, the app simplifies managing bank cards. Google Wallet also enhances functionality, recently adding support for flight boarding passes on the Wear O.S. app.

Google Wallet's Significant Improvements

In 2023, Google Wallet saw significant improvements, including expanded support for government I.D.s and sharing flight and event boarding passes within the app. The latest enhancement introduces support for boarding passes on the Wear O.S. version of the app. Users can conveniently access boarding passes on their Wear O.S. watches, providing a seamless travel experience without taking out their phones.

This feature is part of Google's efforts to enhance support for open-loop transit systems, offering insights into spending and ride history. The Wallet app now supports various transit cards, including Clipper cards in San Francisco and SmartTrip in Washington, DC, on both phones and Wear O.S. smartwatches.

Additionally, Google Wallet on Android introduces an update where payment notifications originate directly from the app, offering a more streamlined and compact experience.