At first glance, Google Wallet feels like a simple place to store debit and credit cards. But over time, it proves to be much more. Here are 6 features that often go unnoticed but become essential once you start using them.
- Store more than just bank cards
Google Wallet can hold loyalty cards, gift cards, transit passes, event tickets and boarding passes. It becomes a central hub for items that would otherwise sit in emails or SMS threads.
Boarding passes and certain reservations can sync automatically from Gmail. This is especially helpful when rushing through an airport or standing in long queues.
- Automatically save passes from Gmail
Wallet can scan eligible emails and add supported passes automatically. Loyalty memberships, event tickets and boarding passes may appear without manual uploads.
If passes are not syncing, check this:
- Open Google Wallet
- Tap your profile icon
- Go to Settings
- Select Add passes from Gmail
- Choose your email account
- Ensure Smart features is turned on
This keeps everything organized and ready when you need it.
- Use it for public transit
In supported cities, Google Wallet stores transit passes and allows tap-to-pay access at metro or bus gates using NFC.
In some systems, you do not even need to open the app. Just wake your phone and tap. Availability depends on the city and transit authority.
- Add custom passes manually
Not every membership or card has direct Wallet support. You can still add many manually.
Steps:
- Open Google Wallet and tap the plus icon
- Select Everything else
- Scan the barcode or QR code
- Choose the pass type
- Edit details if needed
- Tap Save
- You can also use the Share option from a screenshot to add a pass directly to Wallet.
- Consolidate smaller memberships
Local gyms, smaller stores or community memberships often provide barcodes without integration. Adding them manually reduces the need to carry physical cards or search through screenshots.
- Get real-time flight updates
When a boarding pass is added, often from Gmail, Wallet can display updated departure times and gate changes directly on the pass.
This reduces the need to repeatedly open the airline app. A quick glance at Wallet is often enough to stay informed.
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