Android Pay adds in-app payments, expanding to Australia in 2016

Android Pay launched earlier this fall bringing a fresh approach to NFC payments in stores to Google’s mobile platform, and today Android Pay is taking payments virtual. Google announced that Android Pay will now support in-app payments in supported apps. This means you can easily make secure payments when making purchases on your phone without having to type in your credit card information. Google also shared that it expects Android Pay to go global in 2016 starting with a launch down under in Australia.

While Android Pay now supports making in-app payments in the United States, developers will need to update their apps to support the new feature. Google has resources at its Android Pay API developer site to help developers add Android Pay support, but there’s already a collection of apps that you can try out including Hotel Tonight, Fancy, and Jet. Google is even offering limited time deals for Android Pay users in certain apps:

For a limited time, you’ll also get special savings by using Android Pay in select apps—from $20 off on OpenTable* dining, $10 off your Lyft ride*, $10 off DoorDash* to 30% off Vinted*—there’s something for everyone.

Because it’s technically easier to add Android Pay support in apps than it is to replace payment terminals across major companies, in-app payments will likely make Android Pay usage dramatically increase as it becomes more accessible. Similar payments in apps has been a popular feature for the iPhone- and iPad-baesd Apple Pay.

Speaking of expanding, Google tipped its hand and shared that it’s targeting Australia for Android Pay’s next country. In a blog post published on Wednesday, December 16th (because time zones put Australia in the future!), Google shared that it plans to bring Android Pay to Australia in the first half of next year.

We’re working closely with many of Australia’s major financial institutions — including ANZ, Westpac, Bank of Melbourne, Bank of South Australia, Bendigo Bank, Cuscal, ING DIRECT, Macquarie Bank, and St. George — with the aim of bringing Android Pay to their card holders in 2016, and will continue to work with more banks throughout the year.

Google adds that Android Pay will work with Visa and MasterCards at launch, and eftpos in the future. Android Pay will be available for both physical locations as well as for in-app payments when it hits Australia. More countries are planned for 2016 as well. Notably, Apple Pay recently expanded to Australia, but with limited support only through American Express-issued credit cards.