Google Pay is getting a substantial upgrade today, and the changes aren’t just cosmetic. They’re designed to make paying for stuff online faster, smarter, and in some cases, cheaper. Whether you’re buying groceries, splurging on something big, or sending cash overseas, Google’s new tools aim to give you more choice and transparency (Source: Google).
Three big Pay and Wallet upgrades
Including super-simple installment payments
The first change is all about squeezing more perks out of the cards you already carry. Chrome’s credit card autofill has shown rewards info before, but only for a limited set of cards. That number is now jumping to over 100 in the U.S., so the next time you’re about to check out online, Chrome can tell you which card gets you the best points, miles, or cashback for that particular purchase. If you’re the type who actually reads the fine print on your credit card agreements, this is like having that in your browser, minus the headache.
Then there’s the “buy now, pay later” expansion. Google Pay is adding BNPL support right into Chrome autofill with Affirm and Zip, letting U.S. shoppers break up payments in a few clicks. Klarna, Afterpay, and others are on the way, so soon you won’t need to bounce between merchant sites and separate BNPL apps to finance a purchase. It’s all part of Google’s ongoing push to make Chrome more than just a place you type URLs — it’s turning into a checkout hub.
The last big addition takes aim at one of the most frustrating parts of sending money abroad: figuring out how much it will actually cost. Google is piloting a new experience in Wallet online and Google Search that lets you see exchange rates and fees from remittance providers like Ria Money Transfer, Xe, and Wise before you send anything. The test covers transfers from the U.S. to India, Brazil, Mexico, and the Philippines, with more countries likely to follow. You can access it directly in Wallet or by simply searching for a currency exchange rate on Google.
All three features share a common thread: they’re built right into tools you probably already use. Chrome’s autofill and Google Search aren’t exactly niche products, so the barrier to trying these out is practically nonexistent.
The updates start rolling out today, though BNPL partner availability will vary. And since this is Google, you can expect the global money transfer test to expand if it sees traction. Whether you’re chasing credit card perks, managing cash flow, or wiring money across borders, Google Pay’s latest moves are about giving you the info — and the options — up front.
