Google Wallet Adds Supervised Balances for Minors Under 18 in U.S.
Parents can set daily limits and freeze spending on Android and Wear OS devices.
Alphabet Inc.’s Google launched a dedicated feature for Google Wallet on Thursday that allows parents in the United States to set up and monitor digital balances for children under 18.
The service enables minors to make contactless tap-to-pay purchases using Android smartphones or Wear OS smartwatches anywhere Google Pay is accepted, eliminating the need for a linked bank account.
Parents maintain administrative control through built-in safeguards, including real-time transaction notifications, adjustable daily spending caps, and a spending timeout function that instantly pauses activity. Account access can also be locked remotely if a minor’s device is lost or stolen.
The launch positions Google in direct competition with Apple Cash Family, which offers similar parental monitoring capabilities, as well as youth-focused financial technology platforms such as Greenlight and FamZoo.
The expansion develops Google’s initial rollout from last year, which allowed guardians in select markets to approve payment card additions to children’s Android devices and grant access to digital passes, including event tickets, library cards, and gift cards.
Google has not disclosed plans or timelines for expanding the supervised balance feature to international markets.
