Understanding Google Play’s Payments policy

Google Play's billing system is required for developers offering in-app purchases of digital goods and services distributed on Google Play.

It enables you to easily transact with millions of users around the world and gives users safe ways to pay and the ability to manage their payments from a central location.  Play’s billing system plays a critical role in helping us maintain user trust and keep Google Play safe.

About Google Play's billing system

Google Play's billing system is a service that enables you to sell digital products and content in your Android app. You can use Google Play's billing system to sell a one-time product or subscriptions on a recurring basis. Visit the Android Developers site to learn how to integrate Google Play's billing system into your app.

Unless otherwise permitted by the Payments policy, purchases that require use of Google Play's billing system include:

  • Digital items (such as virtual currencies, extra lives, additional playtime, add-on items, characters, or avatars)
  • Subscription services (such as fitness, game, dating, education, music, video, or other content subscription services)
  • App functionality or content (such as an ad-free version of an app or new features not available in the free version)
  • Cloud software and services (such as data storage services, business productivity software, or financial management software)

Purchases that are not supported by Google Play's billing system include:

  • Purchases or rentals of physical goods (such as groceries, clothing, home appliances, or electronics)
  • Purchases of physical services (such as transportation services, airfare, gym memberships, or food delivery)
  • Payment of a credit card or utility bill

Google Play's billing system must not be used for peer-to-peer payments content that facilitates online gambling, or any product category deemed unacceptable under Google’s Payments Center Content Policies.

Frequently asked questions

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