Google Enables Indian Customers To Pay Within Play Store

Google is reportedly enabling customers in India to pay directly from their bank account when using the Google Play Store.

According to a report, the feature, which has reportedly been added in the past day, is supported by a number of banks in India. Previously, Indian users could only pay via a debit card, credit card or Play Store gift card.

“We are continually looking at ways to enhance user experience, including payment options available, on our Play Store,” a Google India spokesperson told Mashable India. The report noted that, during the last few months, Google has been attempting to make it easier for customers in India to make digital purchases by rolling out prepaid vouchers for the Google Play Store and announcing in October Vodafone and Airtel will support a carrier billing option shortly.

Ushering in widespread adoption of digital payments isn’t the only thing Google has up its sleeves when it comes to India. In September, The Economic Times reported Google is gearing up to develop a website in India, dubbed Bharat Saves, offering consumers information on financial planning.

According to a report , Google wants the Bharat Saves website aligned with the government’s financial inclusion scheme, Jan Dhan Yojana. Since it launched in 2014, it has seen new bank accounts opened and has deposits of RS 41,000 crore.

A senior finance ministry official told Economic Times off the record that Google is currently talking to the Indian government, and its proposal is being looked at. The website could provide a range of financial literacy tools and information on financial products.

“In line with the prime minister’s vision to create greater financial inclusion … various BFSI organizations and industry associations are coming together to launch a digital platform,” a Google spokesperson said in the report. A financial literacy awareness campaign may be part of the launch of the website. Google also plans to launch an app.