The Nub

Search giant Google has launched Google Wallet in South Africa on Tuesday (23 August), enabling users to save and access payment cards, loyalty cards and boarding passes, with support for additional items being added over time.

Why Does it Matter

“Access to technology is vital for economic prosperity as millions of people use their mobile devices daily to tap and pay at stores, pay for public transportation and to utilise a variety of passes. At Google, we have learned that great things happen when technology works for everyone,” said Google SA country director, Alistair Mokoena.

What Next

Cardholders of FirstRand Bank, Discovery Bank, Investec, Standard Bank, ABSA and Nedbank will be able to add their cards to Google Wallet and pay with their Android phones or Wear OS devices where contactless payments are accepted – in-store, in apps or on the web.