Google Discontinuing Prepaid Card Services in Google Wallet
Thanks to the Google Wallet revision and the introduction of Google Play gift cards, the company no longer sees a need to offer its Prepaid Card service.
Google is now sending out an email to Google Wallet users stating that they need to spend the rest of their Google Prepaid Card balance soon, as the service will be shut down on October 17. That includes the first wave of Google Waller app users who activated their Google Prepaid Card and received a $10 credit.
The news arrives after Google began allowing users to add any debit or credit card to their Google Wallet account. With each card added, Google creates a virtual MasterCard-based number that's linked back to the user's credentials, thus preventing retailers from obtaining the user's actual credit information.
Google also recently announced Google Play gift cards, sold in $10, $25 and $50 capacities at RadioShack, Target and GameStop. Following Apple, Amazon and numerous other retailers, these cards provide an easy way for Android owners to purchase apps, music, movies and more from Google virtual storefront. Users can even use the cards to purchase extra levels, add-on packs, and virtual currency.
That said, there's really no need for a Prepaid Card service. Starting September 17, Google Wallet users will no longer be able to add funds to their Google Prepaid Card or add a new Google Prepaid Card to a new device. Even more, resetting the Wallet app after this date will remove the Google Prepaid Card, and it cannot be re-added. Then once October 17 arrives, the Google Prepaid Card will be gone and the balance will be unobtainable.
"Previously, you were charged a $2.00 monthly maintenance fee after 180 days without any transactions," Google said. "Now, you will be charged this fee after 30 days without any transactions. This fee is automatically deducted from your Google Prepaid Card balance. However, you won’t be charged any fees as long as you spend your balance before October 17, 2012."
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