Google introduces Gmail payment service
Gmail users aged 18 and over in the UK can now conduct small transactions with friends and family via email after Google incorporated functionality to attach money to emails for its latest innovation.
Launched in the US back in 2013 the service is a spin-off of Google Wallet, the mobile payments system which allows people to pay for goods and services via stored card details, the system enables users to transfer cash from their Wallet to that of a contacts by simply hovering over the paperclip attachment icon, clicking a £icon, entering the amount and sending it to their email address.
This functions even for non-Google email accounts although recipients will need to open a Google Wallet account if they wish to access their money.
Travis Green, product manager for Google Wallet, said: "Paying back your friends has never been so simple, whether you’re chipping in for lunch or reimbursing your housemate for your share of the rent.”
The service is currently limited to the desktop version of the email client but phone transactions are possible for those with a Google Wallet.