Google Wallet launched nearly a year ago with free $10 prepaid cards for welcoming users to the mobile payments system, but Google just announced that it is discontinuing its complimentary gift next month.
In an email to existing Google Wallet users, Google revealed prepaid cards will permanently disappear from the app on Oct. 17. The Internet giant offers folks a chance to request a refund, however, but it might be easier to simply spend the cash now.
Moreover, as of Sept. 17, users will no longer be able to add funds to their prepaid cards. Go to Google Wallet online for more information, or just read the entire email announcement below.
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Hello,
Thank you for being one of the first users of the Google Wallet app and for activating your Google Prepaid Card. Since we recently launched the ability to use any debit or credit card in Google Wallet, we are going to discontinue the Google Prepaid Card soon.
Spend your Google Prepaid Card balance
To check if you have any funds remaining on your card, navigate to the Payment cards section of the Google Wallet app and tap your Google Prepaid Card.
You don’t have to spend the exact amount of your balance — at most merchants, you can cover the remainder of a purchase with any other payment method.
Important dates affecting your Google Prepaid Card
September 17, 2012: You will no longer be able to add funds to your Google Prepaid Card or add a new Google Prepaid Card to a new device. Please be aware that resetting the Google Wallet app after this date will remove the Google Prepaid Card and you will not be able to re-add the card. Find out more at http://www.google.com/wallet/prepaid-refund/faq.html
October 17, 2012: Your Google Prepaid Card will disappear from the Google Wallet app and you won’t be able to spend your balance any longer. Don’t worry, you will be able to request a refund if you have remaining funds by visiting www.google.com/wallet/prepaid-refund.
Your Google Prepaid Card has new terms and conditions
Previously, you were charged a $2.00 monthly maintenance fee after 180 days without any transactions. 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. You can view the new terms and conditions here.
If you have any questions, please visit www.google.com/wallet/prepaid-refund.
Sincerely,
The Google Wallet Team
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