Developers can now offer alternatives to Google Play’s billing system to their users that pay for digital content and services in the following countries:
- European Economic Area (EEA) countries
- Australia
- Brazil
- India
- Indonesia
- Japan
- South Africa
- South Korea
- United States
Google Play’s billing system
Google Play's billing system allows you to safely and securely purchase digital products and in-app content, including subscriptions. Your payment information is securely stored to your Google Account and will not be shared with app developers. To prevent accidental purchases, you can require authentication anytime you make a purchase.
When you use Google Play’s billing system, you can also set a monthly budget, check your payment history, manage your subscriptions all in one place through the Subscription center, and set and manage parental controls. You can set up a family group and if you're a parent in the group, you can set up a family form of payment for members to use and require your permission for purchasing or downloading content on Google Play. If you experience an issue with a purchase on Google Play, you can also request a refund through Google Play.
Google Play's billing system makes it easy to pay with a range of payment methods globally. Depending on your country, payment methods may include local mobile phone billing, eWallets, cash and Play gift cards and you can earn Play Points with your purchases. Learn more about available forms of payment.
Learn more about how Google Play’s billing system works.
Alternative billing systems for users
Depending on your country and the developer’s election to participate, developers may offer you a choice of billing systems for each purchase. Your choice will determine:
- Who secures your purchase, processes your payment, and stores any payment information
- Who provides customer support for the purchase
- Which benefits are available with your purchase
- In EEA countries, who is responsible for applicable consumer rights
We believe that this choice will help you make an informed decision when you make purchases within the Play ecosystem.
Tip: For users in EEA countries, an alternative billing system may be offered to you without the choice of Google Play’s billing system.
Users in Australia, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Africa, South Korea, and United States have a choice of billing systems for each purchase
Users in EEA countries
Tips:
- Google doesn't secure any payment information you share with a developer or an alternative billing service provider, such as your billing address and payment method details.
- When you choose Google Play at checkout, the features available are:
- Play gift cards or Play Points
- This feature is only available in selected countries.
- Purchase controls
- Play subscription management
- Play gift cards or Play Points
- To learn how alternative billing systems provide billing features and benefits, contact your developer.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Which countries make up the European Economic Area (EEA)?
What happens if I need a refund for a purchase made through an alternative billing system?
How will I know if I am making a purchase through Google Play’s billing system or an alternative billing system?
When an application offers other billing systems, you can choose between Google Play’s billing system or alternative billing system.
If you reside in one of the European Economic Area (EEA) countries:
- An application can only offer a single alternative billing option.
- You can’t use your Play balance or Play gift cards to pay with alternative billing systems.
- These Play features don’t apply to alternative billing systems:
- Purchase controls
- Play offers
- Play subscription management
How can I check if a transaction was made through Google Play’s billing system or an alternative billing system?
You can confirm how a transaction was made in your Google Play order history or on your billing statement. If your purchase does not show up under your Google Play order history, it was likely made using another billing system. See how to review your order history on Google Play or check if charges are from Google Play or another provider on your billing statement.
Tip: Make sure to sign in to your Google Account that was used to make the purchase. Learn how to add an account or switch accounts.
How can I manage app subscriptions with alternative billing systems? Will they show up on the Play subscriptions center?
App subscriptions made through alternative billing systems don’t show up in your Play subscriptions center or on play.google.com. To manage and cancel subscriptions you made through alternative billing systems, contact your developer.
Tip: App uninstallation doesn’t cancel your subscription, regardless of whether you subscribed through Google Play’s billing system or an alternative billing system.
Who should I reach out to for support with payment issues on alternative billing systems?
How will this impact any active subscriptions I currently have with apps that offer alternative billing systems?
Can I change my billing for an active subscription from Google Play’s billing system to an alternative billing system?
Will my authentication and parental control settings apply to purchases made through alternative billing systems?
No, authentication and purchase control settings offered by Google only apply to purchases made through Google Play’s billing system. Review how to set up and manage parental controls on Google Play or manage your authentication settings for purchases through Google Play’s billing system.