Google Play Store Now Accepts PayPal

By Kevin Parrish
published

Here's another method of payment on Google Play.

Google Play product manager Ibrahim Elbouchikhi updated the Android Developers Blog with news that Google Play customers will be able to make payments using their PayPal account. This option went live on Friday in 12 countries including the United States, Canada and Germany. Customers will be able to find this payment method within Google Wallet.

"Just enter your PayPal account login and you'll easily be able to make purchases. Our goal is to provide users with a frictionless payment experience, and this new integration is another example of how we work with partners from across the payments industry to deliver this to the user," Elbouchikhi writes.

In addition to adding PayPal, Google has also increased the number of territories that can use carrier billing. This allows customers to pay for items by charging the amount directly to their phone bill. However, there is a limit. Verizon Wireless, for example, allows customers to charge $20 per month.

Elbouchikhi says that carrier billing is now in 24 countries, including Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan. The company has also expanded the number of countries that can use Google Play gift cards to a total of 13 including Japan and Germany.

"Sales of apps and games on Google Play are up by more than 300 percent over the past year. And today, two-thirds of Google Play purchases happen outside of the United States, with international sales continuing to climb. We're hoping to fuel this momentum by making Google Play payments easier and more convenient for people around the world," Elbouchikhi writes.

Phandroid points out that Google has updated the Play Store app as well, removing the color bar on music, movies and book listings. There's also a new UI for the permissions screen that crams everything down into short descriptions and icons, which can be expanded with a simple tap.

Kevin Parrish
10 Comments Comment from the forums
  • icemunk
    Good move. Amazon should take note.
    Reply
  • qlum
    Finally credit cards are not required anymore here in the Netherlands. Credit card penetration is really low here especially for online purchases. While paypal is not used that much either it is at least something that actually gives you money be it a few cents instead of costing money to use.

    It would however be far better if google implemented iDeal which is the payment system used for all major banks here and is by far the most used payment method online in the Netherlands I can get it why they won't support systems specific to countries.

    Especially when the system has a fixed transaction fee and not a relative one which
    means the loads of small transactions on google play will be relatively expensive fee wise.
    Reply
  • dstarr3
    I still prefer carrier billing and just adding that to my next phone bill.
    Reply
  • teh_chem
    Bummer, there goes my hopes that Paypal dies in a fire like it deserves. Downvote me, I don't care.
    Reply
  • Master467
    Bummer, there goes my hopes that Paypal dies in a fire like it deserves. Downvote me, I don't care.
    Upboated, I seriously wish Paypal was not so great, so I can stop using them. I hate there anti-gun TOS and tendency to take all money from and close TOS-breakers accounts.

    ...But its so damn useful. Quicker then putting in my name address and credit card info every time I want to buy something, an email and a password is too damn convenient. If i want to buy/sell guns and firearm parts with my own damn money, I should be able to.
    Reply
  • KarterJK
    teh_chum said:
    Bummer, there goes my hopes that Paypal dies in a fire like it deserves. Downvote me, I don't care.
    I love PayPal, I prefer it over CC use, I just feel it is safer. IMHO
    Reply
  • Master467
    13360949 said:
    teh_chum said:
    Bummer, there goes my hopes that Paypal dies in a fire like it deserves. Downvote me, I don't care.
    I love PayPal, I prefer it over CC use, I just feel it is safer. IMHO

    Safer? Because a public email adress and 5 letter password are SOOOO SECURE.

    I dislike it because they don't give the user any rights. Its convenient as all hell though.
    Reply
  • KarterJK
    13381583 said:
    13360949 said:
    teh_chum said:
    Bummer, there goes my hopes that Paypal dies in a fire like it deserves. Downvote me, I don't care.
    I love PayPal, I prefer it over CC use, I just feel it is safer. IMHO

    Safer? Because a public email adress and 5 letter password are SOOOO SECURE.

    I dislike it because they don't give the user any rights. Its convenient as all hell though.

    Reply
  • KarterJK
    13381583 said:
    13360949 said:
    teh_chum said:
    Bummer, there goes my hopes that Paypal dies in a fire like it deserves. Downvote me, I don't care.
    I love PayPal, I prefer it over CC use, I just feel it is safer. IMHO

    Safer? Because a public email adress and 5 letter password are SOOOO SECURE.

    I dislike it because they don't give the user any rights. Its convenient as all hell though.


    @Master467

    Yes, it is safer. If they are hacked (which has happened), the hacker can only get what is in my bank account, which for me is usually less than $500.00 dollars, and that is it. They can't max out my cards limit, which is multi-thousands.

    1) They can't get any account numbers.
    2) I can also place limits on the amounts that can be charged.
    3) For re-occurring charges (where you might be billed monthly), you can close those transactions instantly, where as on a credit card, the company can keep charging to the card, until they decide to quit.
    4) Plus, PayPal sends an immediate email of any transaction (I usually check mine a couple of times a day), so,I would be aware sooner. Unlike a Credit Card, where you get no notice until your bill arrives.

    So, yes, I love my PayPal.
    You said "no user rights", I have zero clue as to what you are talking about.
    You elaborate about security, LOL, and as if any other companies log-on's are any more secure.

    But to each there own.
    Reply
  • Master467
    13382139 said:
    13381583 said:
    13360949 said:
    teh_chum said:
    Bummer, there goes my hopes that Paypal dies in a fire like it deserves. Downvote me, I don't care.
    I love PayPal, I prefer it over CC use, I just feel it is safer. IMHO

    Safer? Because a public email adress and 5 letter password are SOOOO SECURE.

    I dislike it because they don't give the user any rights. Its convenient as all hell though.


    @Master467

    Yes, it is safer. If they are hacked (which has happened), the hacker can only get what is in my bank account, which for me is usually less than $500.00 dollars, and that is it. They can't max out my cards limit, which is multi-thousands.

    1) They can't get any account numbers.
    2) I can also place limits on the amounts that can be charged.
    3) For re-occurring charges (where you might be billed monthly), you can close those transactions instantly, where as on a credit card, the company can keep charging to the card, until they decide to quit.
    4) Plus, PayPal sends an immediate email of any transaction (I usually check mine a couple of times a day), so,I would be aware sooner. Unlike a Credit Card, where you get no notice until your bill arrives.

    So, yes, I love my PayPal.
    You said "no user rights", I have zero clue as to what you are talking about.
    You elaborate about security, LOL, and as if any other companies log-on's are any more secure.

    But to each there own.

    They close accounts when ever they feel like it. There TOU basicly says "We can take all your money without reason and without due process whenever we want, if you don't like it f&*^ you".
    Reply