What the new Google Wallet for kids actually does

Google has added a feature to its Wallet app that lets parents send money directly to a child’s phone or smartwatch. No physical card, no separate bank account — the child simply taps their device at any checkout that accepts contactless payments.

The set-up runs entirely through Google’s Family Link parental-control system. Once a parent activates a “balance” for a child under 18, they can transfer money in seconds, set spending limits, lock the balance remotely, and see every transaction appear as a real-time notification on their own device.

In a real-world test, a ZDNET editor swapped his son’s CashApp debit card for Google Wallet. The boy found that carrying one fewer item was enough to make him prefer the new system. Across multiple stores and school vending machines, the tap-to-pay worked without a hitch — and a locked balance blocked a purchase almost instantly.

Where it fits — and where it falls short

What it plainly cannot do

Google Wallet’s kids feature is a pure in-store tap-to-pay tool. There is no online-shopping option, which parents who worry about in-game microtransactions or impulsive browser buys will welcome — but it also means a child cannot spend anywhere that lacks a contactless terminal. Walmart, for example, still does not support tap-to-pay in many US locations.

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The service requires the child’s phone or watch to have NFC, and the Wallet app must be installed. A kids’ account cannot be used as a standalone payment method; the parent remains in full control via Family Link.

How it compares to CashApp for kids

In practice, the parental controls — instant transfers, transaction limits, lock, real-time notifications — mirror what CashApp already offers. The main differentiator is the absence of a physical card. A child who already uses a CashApp card and rarely loses it may see little reason to switch. However, for families already living in Google’s ecosystem (Family Link, Android phones, Chromebooks), the new Wallet feature removes friction and eliminates one more piece of plastic to keep track of.

If you’re thinking of giving it to your child

  • Check your child’s device. It must have NFC and the Google Wallet app. Most Android phones released in the last few years do, but double-check before promising your child a new way to spend.
  • Set up Family Link first. The Wallet balance only works for children under 18 who are supervised through Google’s Family Link. If you already use it, the Wallet option will appear inside the app.
  • Map out where your child spends. Because the feature is tap-to-pay only, confirm that their school vending machines, local shops, and hangout spots actually accept contactless payments. Walmart’s lack of support may be a dealbreaker for some families.
  • Start with a small amount. Even though you can lock the balance instantly, load only what your child needs that day — just as you would with a reloadable card. The real-time transaction notifications make it easy to top up on the fly.