Google Wallet got a lot of new tricks in 2026 – these 5 are my favorites
You can do a whole lot more than tap to pay with Google’s Wallet app.
Google Wallet introduced several new features in 2026 that make it a more useful digital assistant. One of the most notable additions is the ability to track online orders and view package details, which can be accessed by enabling package tracking in Gmail and then viewing receipts, tracking numbers, and shipping status within the Wallet app.
Additionally, Google partnered with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in June, making Wallet the first digital wallet compatible with the PreCheck Touchless ID program. This enables users to present their phone instead of a physical ID at 65 US airports with TSA PreCheck, streamlining the security process. Another useful feature is the allowance feature, which allows users to send money to a child's account for regular or occasional transfers.
This is particularly helpful for parents who want to avoid their children carrying cash or physical cards, as it provides a secure way to manage payments without exposing sensitive information. This feature has been expanded to 11 states in 2026, including Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Ohio, allowing residents to add their official state driver's license or ID card to Google Wallet.
Furthermore, Wallet now supports the addition of transit cards, enabling users to transfer balances and tap them to pay, making it a more versatile and efficient tool for managing daily expenses.
Written by urgent.news from ZDNet's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
