PayPal: Nothing is changing with Google Wallet connections after all

About two weeks ago, it became known that the linking of PayPal accounts with Google Wallet would no longer be possible after the end of March. Even the dissolution of existing connections was being discussed. However, in an interview with heise online, PayPal now explains that the connections will remain.

PayPal has deleted the information about the dissolution of connections to Google Wallet from its German FAQs. Now only the entry on how to add a PayPal account to Google Wallet can be found there. The only restriction is now geographical; payment in stores with it is therefore only possible in Germany and the USA.

PayPal accounts in Google Wallet: No change

In a phone call with PayPal, the company told heise online that nothing would actually change for customers. The existing integration will therefore be maintained. When switching smartphones, old connections can continue to be transferred. Setting up new links should also remain possible. There were apparently internal communication problems. However, this has consequences: PayPal also informed customers about this in emails. Ideally, PayPal should contact concerned customers again via this channel and clarify the situation.

The announcement of the dissolution of Google Wallet support caused an outcry. The integration of PayPal accounts into Google Wallet is, for example, the most convenient and simplest way for many Sparkasse customers to carry out contactless payment using NFC with a smartwatch. Although Sparkasse apps enable contactless payment on smartphones, they are not compatible with smartwatches and cannot be installed on them. Samsung also has its own wallet system, but interested parties have to create additional accounts and apply for virtual credit cards.

(dmk)