If you don't have kids, you've probably never tried the Family Link app. But there are features in there that I think would be just as useful for adults. One of these, a new feature for Google Wallet, is one I've been using for a while.
Tap-to-pay is a ubiquitous part of modern commerce and, while not necessary to make payments, is convenient. Google Wallet's new feature , but I think it should be expanded to everyone.
How kids can tap-to-pay with Google Wallet without a bank balance
It's surprisingly easy to let kids make payments without a bank balance
Currently rolling out in the US, this feature allows kids to tap-to-pay without needing to open a bank account.
The way it works is that parents can add money to a balance, which is linked to their child's Android smartphone or smartwatch, allowing them to make payments.
All transactions are logged, and parents can set spending limits and lock the account at any point.
It's a neat (if not original) concept, and I think it's a fantastic way to help kids learn financial independence in our .
I use my own 'kids' account whenever I go on vacation
I'm in control, but I don't need to worry about overspending or theft
My bank account (Starling) has a neat feature. I can order a physical card that is linked to a balance in my account. This balance acts like a separate checking account; it won't automatically draw money from my main account if I overspend.
Here's the trick. When I go on vacation, I leave my regular card at home. I carry my virtual card and add money using my banking app when I need it. I tend to top up in the morning in accordance with my budget for the trip.
If my connected card is stolen, the thief can only access the money in the linked balance. Since I never store more than $50 at a time, I won't be in trouble even if I can't cancel the card quickly enough.
It's a fantastic tool, and there's even an option for virtual cards. The trick there is to link an empty balance to subscription trials, so even if I forget to cancel, I can't be charged.
But this Google Wallet update got me thinking. Why can't we all do this? It's common to have multiple bank accounts, but we don't need the hassle of juggling them all.
A separate Google Wallet balance would be useful for everyone
And what about a physical Google Wallet card?
If kids can access a virtual balance not linked to any bank account, why can't adults?
Still, such a feature would need increased functionality. Online transactions would be a necessary component, for example.
While tap-to-pay is secure enough, a separate balance would help manage overspending.
And if Google took the extra step and offered physical cards (that would function like a refillable prepaid card), everyone could access the same tools I use through my bank.
It's a similar concept to paying through Venmo or PayPal. A separate balance, not directly linked to your main bank account, that can be used to make payments in the same way as a debit card.
Google Wallet adoption is rapidly growing; 200 million to 250 million users were signed up to the service in 2025. Providing a secure and convenient balance in an app users already trust would be fantastic.
Even adults can learn financial lessons
A separate balance could help us make healthy financial decisions
It's easy to make impulse purchases with tap-to-pay because it's so mindless. In the UK, the average transaction values increased by 15% to 25% after implementing tap-to-pay systems.
Impulse purchases increase as friction disappears, so the solution is to add more friction.
When I'm on holiday with my "fake" card, I generally know how much is linked to it at any one time. So I save my balance for important things, as the extra steps involved in transferring my balance are generally not worth the hassle.
Expanding and building on Google Wallet's kid-friendly features could help build the app into a payment platform that everyone can find useful.
Google Wallet is much more than a payment app, but it should build on the basics
Boarding passes, event tickets, transit passes, loyalty cards, gift cards, hotel keys, corporate badges, student IDs, driver's licenses, passport IDs, health insurance, vaccination records. The list of is impressive.
But I want to see a renewed focus on the core Google Wallet experience. Payments are the bread and butter of the app, and I think it's time for a serious upgrade.