Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, has officially announced that its cardholders in Pakistan can now add their Visa cards to Google Wallet. This new feature enables users to make seamless and secure contactless payments using their Android and Wear OS devices. The announcement was made at a special event hosted by Visa, which was attended by senior figures from Pakistan’s financial sector.
Starting today, Visa cardholders from leading banks including HBL, Bank Alfalah, UBL, and Meezan Bank can link their Visa cards to Google Wallet, allowing them to make payments at any merchant that accepts contactless payments. This expansion is set to enhance the convenience and accessibility of digital payments for both local residents and tourists. Additionally, JS Bank, Allied Bank, Zindigi, and Easypaisa will soon be joining the initiative, further increasing the number of cardholders able to enjoy this innovative feature.
This move by Visa comes in response to the growing demand for digital payment options in Pakistan, offering users the ability to make secure transactions directly from their mobile phones. Google Wallet not only allows users to make payments in-store but also enables them to shop online and manage their loyalty cards and boarding passes—all from a single, easy-to-use mobile platform.
The integration of Google Wallet is expected to help drive the adoption of contactless payments in Pakistan, providing both consumers and merchants with a more convenient and efficient way to handle transactions. The widespread adoption of digital payments is particularly timely as Pakistan continues to embrace digital financial services, marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward a cashless economy.
A key feature that sets Google Wallet apart is its commitment to security. Visa and Google both prioritize the protection of user data and transactions, with Google Wallet utilizing tokenization technology. Tokenization replaces sensitive cardholder information, such as a 16-digit primary account number (PAN), with a unique token number, which helps to reduce fraud and improve card authorization rates. This added layer of security ensures that users can make payments with peace of mind, knowing their personal information is safeguarded.
Visa’s Country Manager for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Umar Khan, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are excited to show our continued commitment to enhancing Pakistan’s digital payment ecosystem through this partnership with Google. Pakistan is on the growth path of digitization, and consumer demand is ripe, as the share of digital transactions in total retail payments processed by banks and EMIs rose to 84% in 2024. The enablement of Google Wallet will support this demand and improve the customer experience through enhanced security and convenience. As a bonus, Pakistanis can use Google Wallet when they travel, ensuring a seamless and secure experience worldwide.”
Farhan Qureshi, Country Director for Google Pakistan, also highlighted the importance of the launch, noting, “Pakistan’s digital payments landscape is evolving rapidly, and with more people embracing digital transactions, Google Wallet provides a secure, seamless, and efficient way to make payments, shop, and travel. It will enable Pakistanis to tap-and-pay in stores, check out seamlessly online, and easily access their boarding passes when they travel. Google Wallet helps keep everything protected in one place, no matter where they go. More importantly, this launch will go a long way in supporting financial inclusion in Pakistan and unlock economic opportunities for all. This milestone further cements Google’s unwavering commitment to Pakistan, reinforcing our belief in its digital future and potential.”
The collaboration between Visa and Google marks a significant step forward in enhancing Pakistan’s digital payment ecosystem. By making digital payments more accessible and secure, this partnership is expected to benefit both cardholders and businesses across the country. As digital transactions continue to gain popularity, initiatives like Google Wallet will help streamline payments and contribute to the overall growth of the digital economy in Pakistan.
This development is expected to have a transformative impact on the way consumers in Pakistan engage with financial services. With Google Wallet, users now have access to one of the most advanced, secure, and convenient payment platforms available, making it easier than ever to manage transactions both locally and globally. By enabling contactless payments, Visa and Google are empowering millions of Pakistanis to embrace the future of digital payments, fostering financial inclusion, and enhancing the overall customer experience.