TL;DR
- Google Wallet could soon introduce new verification controls for regular contactless payments, similar to those available for transit payments.
- A new “Tap to pay” option has been spotted under Google Wallet’s Verification settings.
- The option currently crashes the app when selected, so it’s unclear what controls or security safeguards Google plans to offer with it.
If you’re a Google Wallet user, you know how convenient it is to pay for things with a simple tap of your phone. Of course, that convenience comes with a side of vulnerability, and that’s precisely why Google Wallet always requires you to verify your identity before completing a payment.
This verification stays valid for a few minutes before timing out, forcing users to verify their identity again to make subsequent contactless payments. This isn’t a huge inconvenience, but it’s something Google likely wants to give more flexibility around regardless.