Google Wallet is gearing up for a major convenience upgrade. An APK teardown reveals that users will soon be able to add credit and debit cards by simply tapping them against their phones—no manual entry or camera scans required.
Google Wallet’s new NFC card enrollment streamlines setup
Currently, adding a card to Google Wallet involves scanning it with the camera or typing in details by hand. Soon, a third option will appear: tapping a contactless card to the back of a phone to transfer information directly.
The NFC-based setup surfaced in version 25.16.33 of the Google Play Services beta. Strings of code hint at simple prompts like “Tap to add a card” and instructions to hold the card close until the device vibrates.
NFC enrollment may not support every card
While the feature sounds universal, not every card will make the cut. Early signs suggest Google is focusing on EMV-compliant cards—the standard behind most modern contactless payments. Cards without NFC chips or ones using older tech might still need manual input.
There’s also a good chance users will need to manually enter CVV codes and complete verification steps after the NFC scan to finalize setup, adding a layer of security.
Google Wallet follows broader NFC trends
Google isn’t first to the punch here. Other apps already allow NFC-based card scanning. Still, bringing this to Wallet makes it much faster to load a new card—especially useful when switching banks, replacing expired cards, or setting up a new device.
It’s a small tweak, but for millions of Wallet users, shaving even a few minutes off the card setup process could make a real difference.
NFC feature hints at broader Google Wallet updates
The presence of this feature in beta suggests it might not be long before it rolls out widely. No exact launch date is confirmed yet, but Google has been steadily layering in new Wallet upgrades over the past year.
If all goes smoothly, adding a card to Google Wallet could soon feel a lot like tapping to pay—quick, easy, and frictionless.
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