Google Wallet Enhancements: 5 New Ways to Add Convenience and Security

Google has introduced five new features that allow users to enhance their Google Wallet experience, the secure and private digital wallet launched in July of the previous year. Jenny Chang, Vice President and General Manager of Google Wallet, expressed the company’s vision to prioritize convenience, security, and privacy while ensuring accessibility for all users. Here are the advancements that Google has implemented to bring this vision to life:

1. Simplified Pass Saving via Image Capture: Users will soon be able to effortlessly create and store a secure digital version of their cards on Wallet by simply taking a photo of the card. This feature will support passes with barcodes or QR codes, specifically catering to transit QR tickets, parking passes, and e-commerce return QR codes.
2. Secure Storage of Health Insurance Cards: Google is collaborating with Humana, a US health insurance company, to develop a digital version of their health insurance card. Users will be able to securely save their health insurance cards to Google Wallet. Additionally, in the UK, members will have the option to save their National Insurance Number from the HMRC app.
3. Saving IDs: As of June 1st, individuals with a Maryland ID or driver’s license can add their ID to Google Wallet on any Android phone with version 8.0 or later. This feature will gradually expand to include Arizona, Colorado, and Georgia in the coming months. Maryland-issued IDs saved to Wallet can be used for TSA pre-check lines at select airports, with more ways to utilize the ID in Wallet to be introduced.
4. Saving Company IDs and Access Badges: Google plans to introduce support for corporate badges in Wallet later this year, enabling employees to conveniently and securely access buildings, cafeterias, and more.
5. Saving Passes from Messages: In the near future, users of Google’s Messages app with RCS enabled will receive their boarding passes or train tickets directly in Messages. From there, they can easily save these passes to Google Wallet. Vietnam Airlines passengers and Renfe customers, Spain’s leading train operator, will be the first to benefit from this feature.