Cardholders can tap to pay with their Android phones or supported Wear OS devices in stores where contactless is in operation. They can also use Google Pay to make payments online and through apps.

A seamless way to transact, Google Pay saves customers from handing over their payment cards, touching physical buttons, or exchanging cash. Security and privacy are built into every aspect to ensure data is protected. Transactions are made with a virtual card number, so Google Pay does not share the real credit card number with the business, and therefore payment information remains safe. Customers save their cards for Google Pay in Google Wallet, a digital wallet that securely stores payment cards, loyalty cards, boarding passes, and more. The Central Bank of Kuwait recently granted several banks licenses to activate Google Wallet in the country.

Fueling efforts to accelerate the adoption of high-security digital payments, the launch aligns with the Kuwait Vision 2035 “New Kuwait” and the country’s ongoing digital transformation journey.

Erdem Çakar, Country Manager, Kuwait and Qatar, Mastercard, said: “We are delighted to join forces with Google to drive digital inclusion in Kuwait as we introduce Google Pay to the country and expand the variety of contactless payments available to its people. In a new world beyond payments, Google Pay blends convenience with security to provide peace of mind.”

To set up Google Pay, Mastercard cardholders can download the Google Wallet app from the Google Play store and follow the instructions, or visit pay.google.com online. Once their Mastercard is added, they can simply choose Google Pay at the checkout, confirm their purchase, and pay.

“When we launched Google Wallet last year, we wanted to give as many people as possible access to a secure digital wallet, and we are thrilled to expand our offering to Kuwait,” said Jenny Cheng, Vice President and General Manager, Google Wallet. “Tap and pay on public transit, save mobile tickets for shows, or keep your boarding pass at hand - these are just some ways you can use Google Wallet throughout your day.”

According to Mastercard’s New Payments Index 2022, 64% of MENA consumers (compared to 61% globally) increased their use of at least one digital payment method in the last year, including digital cards, SMS payments, digital money transfer apps, and instant payment services.

Mastercard has made a worldwide pledge to bring 1 billion people and 50 million micro and small businesses into the digital economy by 2025.