20
NOV
You have a Google cellphone, Google email, even Google Glasses... are you ready for a Google credit card?
Google has announced a new Google Mastercard that links to your Google Wallet allowing you to use the money in your Google account at ATM's and anywhere that Mastercard debit is accepted.
This may very be the worst-kept secret in all of tech, as the rumors have been flying around for quite awhile. But what does this mean for you? Well, if you already have an Android phone or tablet, chances are you have a Google Wallet.
The Google Wallet allows you to connect your credit cards and even your checking account to Google to purchase things on Google, like apps and music from Google Play and offers from Google Offers. (A lot of "google"s in that sentence, I know). They already attempted to make NFC technology a universal thing by allowing people to put real money into their Google Wallets and then using the NFC chip in their phones to tap credit card terminals to purchase items with their accounts. However, it hasn't caught on leading some people to believe Google is like Gretchen from Mean Girls, trying desperately to make NFC a real thing. "Stop trying to make NFC happen, it's not going to happen".
With this new physical card though, they may be making the jump into turning the virtual Google Wallet mainstream. People are used to paying with debit cards, everyone takes debit cards... maybe now people will be turning their money into virtual Google credits? At least that's what Google is hoping for.
Don't leave home without it!
So how do you get a Google Wallet card? First, you need a Google Wallet, but as I said, if you've ever bought anything from the Google Play store or given your credit card information to Google, chances are you already have one. Secondly, you'll need to verify your identity.
Naturally, this is just a funny joke by Google. Google Maps' tracking satellites and Google's self-driving cards already follow every American around, tracking their behavior, reading their e-mail and selling this data to the NSA. Google seems cognizant of this fact, claiming that "To comply with government regulations, we need to verify your identity before you can order your Google Wallet Card." See? They already have your data. Stupid government has stupid rules. Thanks Obama.
GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS?! Welcome to "Obama's America"!
After giving up you full name, your home address, your date of birth, the last 4 digits of your social security number and your first born child, a cool new Google Wallet card will be dispatched to your home in 7-10 days. I think it's a cool idea if you use prepaid loadable cards or if you have a lot of money in your Google Play account that you want to get out.
PayPal already has this exact same thing and it's super handy for people who get paid into their PayPal accounts from customers and need fast access to the money. But the main way people will be getting money into the Google account is by loading it themselves. 0% fee for checking account transfers, 2.9% for credit card transfers. For that reason, I'm not 100% sure if it's right for most people, but it'll be interesting if this is indeed the stepping stone to bringing NFC tap-to-pay back into the forefront.