Google Wallet May Soon Let You Add a Card by Simply Tapping It

New NFC-Based Feature Aims to Simplify Card Setup Process

Google is reportedly working on a new feature for that would allow users to add a credit or debit card by simply tapping the card to the back of their phone. The discovery, first reported by Android Authority, comes after code related to the feature was spotted in the latest update.

Currently, adding a card to Google Wallet involves manually entering card details or scanning the card with the phone’s camera, followed by bank verification. The upcoming NFC-based feature could make the process faster and more seamless.

How the “Tap to Add” Feature Would Work

Strings of code uncovered in the update describe a user-friendly process where users would:

• Hold the physical card near the back of their device

• Wait for the device to vibrate, signaling successful card reading

• Proceed to verify the card through their bank as usual

Sample code from the update reads:

• “Tap to add a card”

• “Hold your card close to the back of your device until it vibrates”

• “Tap card to phone”

This new method would utilize NFC (Near-Field Communication) technology already present in most modern smartphones.

Similar to Existing Banking App Features

This NFC card reading capability is not entirely new to the mobile banking sector. Apps like Capital One already allow customers to interact with their physical cards through NFC for quick account setup or verification.

If fully implemented, this feature would position Google Wallet as even more user-friendly and competitive in the digital payment ecosystem, providing an effortless onboarding experience for new payment methods.

When Will It Be Available?

While Google has not officially announced the feature, the presence of this code suggests that testing could be underway. A rollout may accompany future updates to Google Wallet and Google Play Services, potentially in the coming months.

Until then, users should keep their apps updated to be among the first to experience this new streamlined feature once it becomes available.