New Google Wallet app lets you send money to any U.S. email address, adds loyalty cards & offers

Google announced today on its Google Commerce blog that a new version of Google Wallet is beginning to roll out to all Android devices in the U.S. running Android 2.3 and up. It also brings the app to users on Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile, although those carriers won’t be allowing NFC payments as they opt for competitive ISIS mobile payment platform.

The new app rolling out this week will allow users to send money to any US email address and also adds improved features for saving loyalty cards and redeeming offers. While Google is currently in the process of rolling out the ability to send money using Google Wallet through Gmail, the new Wallet app for Android will let users send money to any friend age 18 and up through any U.S. email address:

It’s free to send money directly from your bank account or Google Wallet Balance, and low fees apply when using your linked credit or debit card. And as an added bonus, once you send money with the Google Wallet app, you’ll also get early access to sending money in Gmail from your desktop while we continue to roll out the feature broadly to Gmail users.

The new app will also let all users (not just those with NFC enabled devices), scan barcodes of loyalty cards in order to earn points and use the app at checkout. Google notes that you’ll be able to “join new programs like Alaska Airlines, Belly, and Red Mango within the Google Wallet app.” Some other programs coming soon include: Avis Car Rental, BJ’s Restaurants, Cosi, Hard Rock International, InterContinental Hotels Group, Marriott International, Raley’s, and The Body Shop.

Google is also adding some new and improved features for Offers in the new Wallet app:

In addition to your loyalty cards, you can easily carry and use your offers with the Google Wallet app. No matter where you’ve found your offer – in the Google Maps app, Google Search, Google+ or Google Offers, they’re visible and redeemable in your Wallet app at checkout. And later this week, you’ll also be able to save offers on select merchant and couponing sites such as Valpak. Just show the offer on your app at checkout to redeem it. We’re working with many partners to bring you great offers, and will be adding more soon. It’s saving made simple.

You can download the new app rolling out this week on Google Play.