Important: The balance in Google Wallet for kids is only available in the US.
The balance in Google Wallet for kids is a secure payment method for children with supervised accounts. It allows safe, tap to pay transactions while giving parents oversight through Google Family Link or the Google Wallet website.
Tip: For adults with money in your Google Pay balance, learn more about how to transfer money out of Google Pay (US only).
Key features:
- Setting up a balance: Only the family manager can complete the setup for the child’s balance through Google Family Link or the Google Wallet website. Learn how to set up a balance in Google Wallet for kids.
- Manage child's balance: The family manager and the other parent (if applicable) can get updates on the child's spending and transactions. Learn more about what parents can do.
- Tap to pay use only: The child can only use their balance for tap to pay transactions. It can't be used for online transactions or cash withdrawals.
What you need before you start
- To set up a balance for a child, they must be under 18, and have a supervised Google Account.
- You must also have a Family Group to proceed with the setup. Learn how to create a Family Group on Google.
- The child will access the balance through the Google Wallet app so they should download the Google Wallet app.
- Make sure Google Play services is up to date. Learn how to keep your devices and apps working with Google Play services.
What kids can do
The child can use their balance in Google Wallet to tap to pay in stores with their Android device or smartwatch. Additionally, they can:
- View their balance and transaction history.
- Check their daily spending limit, if one was set by a parent.
- Receive notifications when parents:
- Add money
- Set or remove spending limits
- Lock or unlock their balance
- Remove or close their balance
- Update their PIN
- Receive notifications when they reach their daily spending limit or if their transaction is declined due to insufficient balance or beyond the daily spending limit.
What parents can do
The family manager or other parent (if applicable) shares control over their child's balance in Google Wallet through Google Family Link or the Google Wallet website. Know more about these roles in the section below.
Tip: Parents can manage their child's spending by setting a daily spending limit or locking the balance. Individual transactions can't be sent for approval beforehand.
Who's the family managerWhoever creates the Family Group becomes the family manager. The family manager has full control of a child's balance. If another parent is added, they'll share some control of the balance. Learn how to add another parent to the Family Group.
Family manager has full control of the child's balance and can:
- Set up and close the balance.
- Create and reset the child’s balance PIN.
- Add money and set daily spending limits.
- Remotely lock or unlock and remove the balance from a device.
- Add and assign a device that the child will use to tap to pay.
- Close the child’s balance and receive any remaining funds.
- Monitor the child’s balance, transaction history, and get statements.
- Report an issue or initiate transaction disputes.
- Receive notifications of their child’s transactions and balance controls updates.
The family manager can add or designate a parent in the Family Group. This parent will have some control over the child's balance.
The other parent can:
- Add money and set daily spending limits.
- Remotely lock or unlock and remove the balance from a device.
- Monitor the child’s balance and transaction history.
- Receive notifications of their child’s transactions.
The other parent can’t:
- Set up or close the balance.
- Receive refunds and dispute a transaction.
- Reset a PIN and add the child’s balance to a device.
- Download balance statements.
What happens to the balance when supervision is removed
When a child turns 13, they'll receive emails letting them know that they can remove supervision. If parental supervision is removed, the child's balance in Google Wallet will close. If you want your child to continue using the balance, make sure supervision isn’t removed. Any remaining funds from the balance will be returned to the family manager when a balance is closed. Learn more about account closure and refunds.
If a child with an existing balance turns 18, they can continue to use their balance as long as their Wallet remains supervised. Learn more about what happens when parental supervision stops.
What stores and services are restricted for your child
To keep your child safe, they can’t use their balance at:
- Places where alcoholic beverages are sold, such as bars, cocktail lounges, discotheques, nightclubs, or taverns
- Package stores where beer, wine, and liquor are sold
- Cigar stores and stands
- Gun and ammunition shops
- Government-licensed casinos (online or internet gambling)
- Government-licensed horse/dog racing tracks
- Government-owned lottery tickets
- Hotels, motels, resorts, and other lodging
- Dating services
- Betting, such as to buy lottery tickets, casino gaming chips, or off-track betting
- Bail and bond payments
- Car rental at individually assigned rental brands
Tips:
- Transactions that use the balance at these types of stores will be declined.
- The child can't use the balance across Google services or for online checkout.
Related resources
- About Google Wallet for kids
- Set up a balance in Google Wallet for kids (US Only)
- Manage Google Wallet for kids
- Tap to pay for kids
Still need help?
If you still have issues or any questions, you can contact us.
Disclaimer: The Google Pay Balance Prepaid Visa® Card is issued by Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Card valid only in the U.S. No ATM or Cash Access. Card can be used in stores everywhere contactless Visa debit cards are accepted.